ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stand on the shoulders of

idiom
Meaning

To build on the previous works and gains of.


Origin

disputed origin

Clipping of stand on the shoulders of giants.

Examples
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.

Anchors to
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

    dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants

    One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.

  7. 07

    good head on one's shoulders

    intelligent or shrewd; have good sense or judgement

  8. 08

    half-night stand

    A single sexual encounter between two individuals, lasting for less than an entire night, where at least one of the partners has no immediate intention or expectation of establishing a longer-term sexual or romantic relationship.

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