step by step; one step at a time
Emphasizes gradual, incremental progress, often used in encouraging or methodical contexts.
Let's move forward one step at a time.
He climbed the stairs one step at a time.
Compound of 一歩 (ippo, 'one step') and ずつ (zutsu, 'each, at a time'). The reading いっぽずつ reflects the gemination of 一 (ichi) before 歩 (ho → po).