Proverb / Kotowaza
一進一退
A situation that fluctuates between improving and worsening without reaching a clear conclusion.
One step forward, one step back.
Quick Answer
A situation that fluctuates between improving and worsening without reaching a clear conclusion.
- Literal Image
- One step forward, one step back.
- How to Use It
- Used when describing balanced power dynamics, unstable conditions, or situations like negotiations, sports matches, or medical conditions that fluctuate without a decisive change.
Meaning
This idiom describes a state of advancing and retreating. It is used when a situation alternates between getting better and getting worse, preventing a decisive settlement or outcome.
Literal Image
One step forward, one step back.
How to Use It
Used when describing balanced power dynamics, unstable conditions, or situations like negotiations, sports matches, or medical conditions that fluctuate without a decisive change.
Tone
Neutral and objective; used to state facts about unstable or ongoing situations.
Examples
試合は一進一退の攻防が続いている。
The match continues as a back-and-forth battle.
病状は一進一退で、予断を許さない。
The medical condition fluctuates, allowing no room for optimism.
交渉は一進一退を繰り返し、長引いている。
The negotiations repeatedly advance and retreat, and are dragging on.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
A four-character idiom composed of simple kanji, seen in formal contexts like news or business.
一進
いっしん / isshin
advancing one step
一退
いったい / ittai
retreating one step
Usage Profile
Usage note: Implies a lack of final resolution; do not use for events that have completely concluded.
Misread Risk
Do not use to describe something completely halted; it implies ongoing movement, just without net progress.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term literally breaks down into 'isshin' (advancing one step) and 'ittai' (retreating one step). It is used to describe times when opposing forces are balanced or when a situation remains unstable.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.