step by step; one step at a time
Emphasizes gradual, steady progress, often in a determined or careful manner. Used both adverbially and as a noun.
彼は歩一歩、目標に近づいている。
He is getting closer to his goal step by step.
語学の上達は歩一歩だ。
Improvement in language learning comes one step at a time.
A Sino-Japanese expression patterned as 歩一歩, literally “step by one step,” meaning gradual progress one step at a time.