步步为营

步步為營

bùbù-wéiyíng

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

to make; to build

military camp; garrison

Examples

HSK 3

谈判中我们必须步步为营。

Tánpàn zhōng wǒmen bìxū bùbùwéiyíng.

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

HSK 6

他做事步步为营，从不冒进。

Tā zuòshì bùbùwéiyíng, cóngbù màojìn.

He works methodically, never rushing ahead recklessly.

HSK 7-9

面对强敌，只能步步为营。

Miànduì qiángdí, zhǐnéng bùbùwéiyíng.

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 to pull up camp and advance, entrenching at every step, to 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 wéi

营 yíng