baby-steps
Gradual, cautious advancement
Baby-steps are small, cautious movements forward—literally the tentative steps of a toddler learning to walk.
Figuratively, baby steps are incremental progress on something difficult or unfamiliar: We're taking baby steps toward reconciliation.
The verb means to proceed cautiously: Let's baby-step our way through this merger.
Sometimes dismissive: Stop baby-stepping and commit.
Proceeding by small additions
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
- smallLimited in size
- tinyExtremely small in size
- initialName's opening letter
beginning · starting · first · early · preliminary · introductory · foundational · elementary
Uncertain and provisional
- hesitantSlow to act
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
timid · wary · guarded · gentle · slow · deliberate · conservative · prudent
Moving on hands, knees
- toddlingWalking unsteadily, like infants
- wobblingMoving unsteadily, wavering
- stumblingWalking clumsily, almost falling
- practicingRepeated skill refinement
trying · attempting · experimenting · exploring · developing · growing · improving · novice
incremental
Proceeding by small additions
initial · beginning · starting · first · early · preliminary · introductory · foundational · elementary · stepwise
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
measured · timid · wary · guarded · gentle · slow · deliberate · conservative · prudent · restrained
crawling
Moving on hands, knees
- toddlingWalking unsteadily, like infants
- wobblingMoving unsteadily, wavering
- stumblingWalking clumsily, almost falling
practicing · trying · attempting · experimenting · exploring · developing · growing · improving · novice · beginner
baby-stepsgiant leap
Very large jump
quantum leap · leaps and bounds · big jump · transformation · revolution
baby-stepsbold moves
all-in · going for broke · throwing caution to the wind · reckless abandon · taking the plunge
baby, babies, babied, babying, babyish, babyhood, step, steps, stepped