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step by step

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step by step

also one step at a time

gradually or slowly These changes need to be made step by step.

Usage notes: also used in the form a step at a time: He wanted to rush through the job, but I encouraged him to take it a step at a time.

See also: step

step by step

By degrees, as in You'll have to go through this recipe step by step. This idiom transfers putting one foot in front of the other to other kinds of progress. [c. 1700]

See also: step

step by step

By degrees.

See also: step