English Reference
Idiom idiom

stand on the shoulders of


To build on the previous works and gains of.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.”

CONTEXTUAL

“Modern scientists stand on the shoulders of earlier researchers to make new discoveries.”

COMPLEX

“By acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors, we gain a deeper appreciation for the long history of human progress.”


Clipping of stand on the shoulders of giants.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blow this pop stand

    To exit or remove oneself from a less than exciting location or environment.

  2. 02

    blow this Popsicle stand

    To leave a place, often with anger or anticipation of going somewhere more exciting.

  3. 03

    broad shoulders

    the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.

  4. 04

    can't stand

    cannot put up with

  5. 05

    can't stand the sight of

    To hate vehemently; to really despise.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    cold shoulder

    A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.

  8. 08

    dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants

    One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.

Last updated August 10, 2026