Meaning of stepping stone | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.
2. Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“Falling—her veriest stepping-stone Shall form the pedestal of a throne— […]”

“Pretty stone cottages overlook the river's northern bank, and a short footpath 200 yds beyond the post office leads to stepping-stones.”

“He was full of ambition, and force, and life, intending all sorts of great things, and meaning to make his position a stepping stone to all that was excellent in public life.”

“Esperanto can make a good stepping stone language to Latin, which may be difficult for amateur linguists.”

“I held it truth, with him who sings ⁠To one clear harp in divers tones, ⁠That men may rise on stepping-stones Of their dead selves to higher things.”

“It has already been shown that the Manchester South Junction & Altrincham (itself the joint property of the London & North Western and and the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railways) served as a stepping stone by which the M.S.L.R. and G.N.R. extended their services from Manchester to Liverpool, […].”

CEFR level