# 步步为营

bù bù wéi yíng

Proceed cautiously and consolidate each step

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Build a camp at every step

**Traditional Chinese:** 步步為營

**Register:** Practical · general

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe gradual progress supported by safeguards.

It emphasizes caution and secure gains, not merely slow movement.

## Understanding the expression

An advancing force establishes a secure position before moving farther. The expression transfers that method to any undertaking where a failed step could threaten the whole project. A business might test one market before expanding, or a researcher might verify each stage. Progress still occurs, but it rests on consolidation rather than haste. The phrase praises careful sequencing when the caution is proportionate to the uncertainty and stakes.

## Examples

公司扩张步步为营，先试一个城市。

### Traditional Chinese

公司擴張步步為營，先試一個城市。

gōng sī kuò zhāng bù bù wéi yíng ， xiān shì yí gè chéng shì 。

The company expands cautiously, testing one city first.

她步步为营地处理遗产纠纷。

### Traditional Chinese

她步步為營地處理遺產糾紛。

tā bù bù wéi yíng dì chǔ lǐ yí chǎn jiū fēn 。

She handles the inheritance dispute carefully, securing each step.

实验必须步步为营，每一步都记录。

### Traditional Chinese

實驗必須步步為營，每一步都記錄。

shí yàn bì xū bù bù wéi yíng ， měi yí bù dōu jì lù 。

The experiment must proceed cautiously, documenting every stage.

谈判中他步步为营，不轻易作出承诺。

### Traditional Chinese

談判中他步步為營，不輕易作出承諾。

tán pàn zhōng tā bù bù wéi yíng ， bù qīng yì zuò chū chéng nuò 。

He proceeds cautiously in negotiations and makes no casual commitments.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%AD%A5%E6%AD%A5%E7%82%BA%E7%87%9F)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=421&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [不二法门 bù èr fǎ mén The key or most effective method ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-er-fa-men)

- [不识时务 bù shí shí wù Fail to understand current circumstances ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-shi-shi-wu)

- [不时之需 bù shí zhī xū An unexpected need ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-shi-zhi-xu)

- [不知所措 bù zhī suǒ cuò Be at a complete loss what to do ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-zhi-suo-cuo)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 不卑不亢 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-bei-bu-kang) [Next idiom 不耻下问 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bu-chi-xia-wen)