Stepping stone

/stˈɛpɪŋ stˈəʊn/

/stˈɛpɪŋ stˈoʊn/

Stepping stone

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

any means of advancement that helps one to make progress towards achieving something

Examples

1. THE PROGRAM IS NOT MEANT AS A STEPPING STONE FOR A PhD BUT, OF COURSE, SOME STUDENTS DO DECIDE TO GO ON TO ANOTHER ACADEMIC DEGREE.

2. , the new DIRECTIVE, Space Policy directive NUMBER one is use the MOON as Stepping Stone for something bigger and MARS, QUOTE beyond.

3. But instead of being a STUMBLING block to stop you, IT's going to become a Stepping Stone to take you to the next level.