步步为营

步步為營

bùbùwéiyíng

idiom #65,797

Meanings

1 to entrench at every step
2 to advance cautiously, consolidating as one goes
3 to proceed methodically with full defenses

Characters

step (reduplicated)

to make; to build

military camp; garrison

Examples

谈判中我们必须步步为营。

Tánpàn zhōng wǒmen bìxū bù bù wéi yíng.

In the negotiation, we must proceed cautiously, consolidating at every step.

他做事步步为营,从不冒进。

Tā zuòshì bù bù wéi yíng, cóng bù màojìn.

He works methodically, never rushing ahead recklessly.

面对强敌,只能步步为营。

Miànduì qiángdí, zhǐ néng bù bù wéi yíng.

Against a strong opponent, we can only advance cautiously step by step.

Tips

history

From 《三国演义》 chapter 71 — strategist Fa Zheng advises General Huang Zhong: '可激劝士卒,拔寨前进,步步为营,诱渊来战而擒之' ('urge the troops, pull up camp and advance, entrenching at every step, lure Xiahou Yuan out to be captured'). Still the archetypal military-strategy idiom.

usage

Positive or neutral — suggests prudence, not timidity. Common in business, legal, and diplomatic contexts. Compare the negative 畏首畏尾 ('too scared to advance').

Stroke Order

步 bù

为 wèi

营 yíng