dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants
One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We learn by being dwarfs standing on the shoulders of giants.”
“The scientist explained that her new discovery was possible only because she was a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants.”
“By acknowledging that he was merely a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, the researcher showed great respect for the thinkers who came before him.”
Calque of Latin nani, gigantum humeris insidentes.
- 01
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 02
chip on one's shoulder
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.
- 03
cold shoulder
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
- 04
gentle giant
A person or animal of a great size or strength, yet who is of a friendly nature and not aggressive or threatening.
- 05
give someone the cold shoulder
To snub, resist or reject somebody; to regard somebody distantly.
- 06
good head on one's shoulders
intelligent or shrewd; have good sense or judgement
- 07
head and shoulders
To a considerable degree.
- 08
look over one's shoulder
To check obsessively out of excessive caution or fear of a perceived danger.
Last updated August 10, 2026