# gateway drug

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gateway-drug
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A typically legal or less harmful substance, such as marijuana, whose use is statistically associated with an increased likelihood of progressing to a more dangerous or illicit drug.

## Examples

- Some people argue that marijuana acts as a gateway drug.
- The health expert warned that using nicotine products can sometimes serve as a gateway drug for teenagers.
- While the debate remains contentious, many policymakers fear that legalizing certain substances will create a gateway drug that leads users toward more dangerous addictions.

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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.