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Stepping stone

//ˈstɛp.ɪŋ stəʊn// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A stone that can be stepped on in crossing something, especially a marsh or creek.

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

  2. 2
    any means of advancement wordnet
  3. 3
    Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else. idiomatic

    "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."

  4. 4
    a stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing wordnet

Etymology

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

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