# dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dwarf-standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

Calque of Latin nani, gigantum humeris insidentes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.