# stepping stone

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stepping-stone
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.