stepping stone: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stepping stone’ mean?
The idiom "stepping stone" refers to something or someone that helps you progress or advance towards a goal or a higher position.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up-and-coming" refers to someone or something that is aspiring to success or prominence. It describes individuals or things that are on their way up and have the potential to achieve great things in the future.
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
The idiom "that way" is used to refer to a specific direction, manner, or situation. It can indicate a way of doing something, a specific course of action, or a specific outcome. It can also be used to express someone's preference or perspective about a particular matter.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
An idiom meaning to leave or depart, often used to describe ending a project or leaving a place quickly.
The idiom "streets ahead" means to be significantly more advanced or superior to something or someone else. It is often used to describe a person or thing that is far ahead in terms of skills, abilities, or performance.
The idiom "straw that stirs the drink" refers to someone or something that has a significant influence or control over a situation or group of people.
The idiom "stick the landing" means to successfully and gracefully complete a difficult task or performance, especially in sports or entertainment, without any mistakes or errors.
An "idiom" is an expression with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation of the words. The idiom "sticking point" refers to a specific issue or problem that prevents progress or agreement in a discussion or negotiation.
An idiom meaning to improve one's skills or performance in order to achieve better results or compete at a higher level.
Uncovering Origins
The idiom "stepping stone" has several facts associated with its meaning and origins.
First, the term "stepping stone" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a means of progressing or advancing towards a goal or objective. This idiom suggests that something serves as a stepping stone when it helps an individual move forward in their journey towards success or achievement.
Next, the origins of the idiom "stepping stone" are not certain. However, the metaphorical use of "stepping stone" dates back to at least the mid-19th century, and it has been commonly used in English literature and everyday speech since then.
This idiom is often used in a figurative sense to describe various situations. For example, someone may refer to a job or position as a stepping stone if they see it as a temporary or intermediate step towards their ultimate career goals. Similarly, a project or task could be considered a stepping stone if it is seen as a necessary step towards achieving a larger objective.
Additionally, the idiom "stepping stone" can also be used in a more literal sense to refer to an actual stone or rock placed strategically in a body of water to assist in crossing, especially in situations where the water is too deep or the bottom is uneven.
The meaning of the idiom "stepping stone" is clear and widely understood. It conveys the idea of progress, advancement, and the notion that smaller achievements or milestones can lead to bigger accomplishments. This idiom encourages individuals to view each step or milestone as an important part of the overall journey, rather than just focusing on the end goal.
The idiom "stepping stone" is commonly used to describe a means of progressing towards a goal or objective. Its origins are uncertain, but it has been used metaphorically since at least the mid-19th century. This idiom has both figurative and literal applications, emphasizing the importance of incremental progress and the value of smaller achievements in the pursuit of larger goals. The idiom "stepping stone" is a reminder that even the smallest steps can have a significant impact and can pave the way for future success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stepping stone" can be used in a sentence:
- He saw the internship as a stepping stone to his dream job.
- Purchasing a smaller house can be a stepping stone toward saving for a larger one.
- Learning to play an instrument is often considered a stepping stone to becoming a professional musician.
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