比喻在实践中谨慎地探索着前进，边实践边摸索经验的工作方法to proceed cautiously, gathering experience as one goes; to cross a river by feeling the stones

• 在打进敌境后，必须“摸着石头过河”，走一步看一步，根据战场上的变化情况，不断修改和发展自己的作战方案。

  After entering enemy territory, one must proceed cautiously, taking one step at a time and observing as one goes. One must constantly revise and develop one's battle plan according to the changing situation on the battlefield.

• 面对国内政策的各种束缚，他们“摸着石头过河”，在摸索中前进。

  Faced with the various restrictions imposed by domestic policy, they are proceeding cautiously, gathering experience as they go.