stepping stone
Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This job is just a stepping stone to my future career.”
“She viewed her internship as a valuable stepping stone toward getting a permanent position at the company.”
“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.”
first recorded 14th c.
The term is first attested circa 1325 in its literal capacity. It was not until circa 1653 that the expression was first used in a figurative sense.
- 01
baby step
A small effort made towards the completion of a much larger task.
- 02
carved in stone
Unchangeable.
- 03
cast the first stone
To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 04
get blood out of a stone
To do something difficult, frustrating, or pointless.
- 05
kill two birds with one stone
To solve two problems with one single action.
- 06
leave no stone unturned
To search or investigate thoroughly.
- 07
one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
(used imitatively) A cliché used to exaggerate an accomplishment or milestone.
- 08
one step ahead
maintaining a slight advantage; continuing to lead
Last updated August 10, 2026