stand on the shoulders of giants
To build on the achievements of others before one.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants to learn new things.”
“Scientists often stand on the shoulders of giants by using research from the past to make new discoveries.”
“By acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of giants, we honor the brilliant thinkers who paved the way for our modern understanding of the world.”
Extracted from dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants. Often attributed to Isaac Newton (see quotations), but in other forms already in use earlier.
- 01
blow this pop stand
To exit or remove oneself from a less than exciting location or environment.
- 02
blow this Popsicle stand
To leave a place, often with anger or anticipation of going somewhere more exciting.
- 03
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 04
can't stand
cannot put up with
- 05
can't stand the sight of
To hate vehemently; to really despise.
- 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.
- 07
cold shoulder
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
- 08
dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants
One who discovers by building on previous discoveries.
Last updated August 10, 2026