expression, adverb
with humility; humbly; three steps behind
Idiomatic expression often used to describe a woman's modest, supportive stance in relation to her partner, literally 'three steps behind'. Can be used more broadly for any humble, deferential attitude.
彼女はいつも夫の三歩下がって歩くような人だ。
She is the kind of person who always walks three steps behind her husband.
三歩下がって師の影を踏まず、という教えがある。
There is a teaching that says, 'Walk three steps behind your teacher and do not step on their shadow.'
Means reserved or restrained; can describe a humble attitude but lacks the physical metaphor of 'three steps behind'.
From the literal phrase 三歩下がって (three steps behind), which became an idiomatic expression for a humble, deferential attitude, especially associated with traditional views of a wife's role.