步步为营
步步为营 (bù bù wéi yíng) literally means “each step make camp” and expresses “advance methodically with caution”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: bu bu wei ying, bu bu wei ying,步步为营 meaning, 步步为营 in english
Advance methodically with caution
Pronunciation: bù bù wéi yíng Literal meaning: Each step make camp
Origin & Usage
At every step (步步) making (为) a camp (营). The phrase belongs to the vocabulary of vernacular military fiction rather than to any surviving manual, and it describes a specific and slow method: advance a short distance, fortify, secure the supply line behind you, and only then advance again. Its point is that ground taken and ground held are different quantities. Cautious expansion earns it, approvingly, and it is the natural opposite of overreaching.
Examples
English: "The company expanded cautiously, securing each market before moving to the next"
Chinese: 公司谨慎扩张，在进军下一个市场前先稳固每一个市场
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
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推波助澜
tuī bō zhù lán
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
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鹬蚌相争
yù bàng xiāng zhēng
Mutual conflict benefits third party
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针锋相对
zhēn fēng xiāng duì
Sharp, direct confrontation in argument
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枕戈待旦
zhěn gē dài dàn
Maintain high vigilance awaiting challenge
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按图索骥
àn tú suǒ jì
Rigidly following outdated methods
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身先士卒
shēn xiān shì zú
Leadership by action
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 步步为营 mean in English?
步步为营 (bù bù wéi yíng) literally translates to “Each step make camp” and is used to express “Advance methodically with caution”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 步步为营 used?
Situation: The company expanded cautiously, securing each market before moving to the next
What is the pinyin for 步步为营?
The pinyin pronunciation for 步步为营 is “bù bù wéi yíng”.
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