Not all puzzles are numbers and logic—some test how you see and interpret the world around you. Rebus puzzles, like the one below, hide common phrases in plain sight using letters, layouts, and visual patterns.
Think you’re observant enough to decode this one?
STEP
PETS
PETS
Here’s what the image shows:
- First line: STEP
- Second line: PETS
- Third line: PETS
Take a closer look. What’s peculiar about this layout? Notice how “STEP” is followed by two instances of its mirror word—“PETS” is “STEP” spelled backward.
This rebus isn’t about the words alone—it’s about movement, both forward and in reverse.
If you give up, then scroll down to see the correct answer.
ANSWER
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Explanation
This clever rebus plays on direction and repetition:
- “STEP” at the top symbolizes moving forward.
- “PETS” repeated twice beneath it, being “STEP” spelled backwards, represent moving backward two steps.
Hence, the phrase: “One step forward, two steps back.”
This is a common idiom meaning that despite making some progress, you’re ultimately falling behind. It’s often used when efforts don’t lead to the expected results, or when obstacles cause regression.
