ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stepping stone

idiom
Meaning

Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.


Origin

first recorded 14th c.

First attested circa 1325; first used in the figurative sense circa 1653.

Examples
SIMPLE

This job is just a stepping stone to my future career.

CONTEXTUAL

She viewed her internship as a valuable stepping stone toward getting a permanent position at the company.

COMPLEX

Although the entry-level role offered little pay, he accepted it as a necessary stepping stone to gain the experience required for his dream job.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    carved in stone

    Unchangeable.

  2. 02

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  3. 03

    get blood out of a stone

    To do something difficult, frustrating, or pointless.

  4. 04

    kill two birds with one stone

    To solve two problems with one single action.

  5. 05

    leave no stone unturned

    To search or investigate thoroughly.

  6. 06

    rolling stone

    A person who moves around a lot and never settles down; a vagrant.

  7. 07

    set in stone

    Permanent; certain; firm.

  8. 08

    smell what someone is stepping in

    Alternative form of pick up what someone is putting down.

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