stepping stone

noun

1. one of a series of stones acting as footrests for crossing streams, marshes, etc

2. a circumstance that assists progress towards some goal

Example Sentences

Just as hybrid cars were a stepping stone towards electric vehicles; plane-makers are now also experimenting with hybrid technology.

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Martínez, for his part, has repeatedly said that he is not here to be a stepping stone for anyone and will take advantage of the platform to make a statement.

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"Juniors is just a stepping stone. I'd love to win a junior Slam - I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to - but every time my team reminds me it doesn't mean anything."

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But it can be a “stepping stone” for overwhelmed young people who aren’t sure where to turn or how to ask for help, she said.

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He considered applying to the summer internship programme - seen as a good stepping stone to a job in the civil service after university - last year but was put off by how exclusive it seemed.

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Related Words

• aid 
• channel 
• equipment 
• factor 
• instrument 
• measure 
• mechanism 
• medium 
• mode 
• power 
• process 
• route 
• step 
• system 
• tactic 
• technique 
• vehicle