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.
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.'
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.