步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
to advance step by step, making each gain secure
Character by character
步bù
step
step
步bù
step
step
为wéi
make
make
营yíng
camp
camp
Example
谈判时，他步步为营，每让一步都要换回一点好处。
In the negotiations he moved forward carefully, getting something back for every concession he made.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
From 《三国演义》, where the strategist 法正 tells 黄忠 to advance and pitch camp at every step (步步为营) to lure the enemy out. Praises a steady, careful approach in war, business, study or a board game; the opposite of rushing for a quick win.
Learn this in Lesson 150 · HSK 7–9: 人机大战：围棋 (Go: man against machine)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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