stepping stone

British  

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

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Example Sentences

"It's a stepping stone to Mars, where we might have the most likelihood of finding evidence of past life, but it's also a Rosetta Stone for how other solar systems form."

From Barron's

Officially, the mission - which will take the crew further into space than anyone has ever been before - is a stepping stone, Nasa says, towards a permanent lunar base and eventually, Mars.

From BBC

But she also said that many of the roles the CFOs point to AI reducing are “stepping stones” for moving into the middle class.

From The Wall Street Journal

For Painter, whose program thrives by developing players year-over-year instead of serving as a stepping stone for future NBA stars, Smith’s evolution has been the perfect proof of concept.

From The Wall Street Journal

And this is another stepping stone, to get to finally act on screen together.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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