stepping stones

Path across water

Stepping stones are flat stones placed in a sequence across water or muddy ground, allowing passage without getting wet or dirty.

The phrase almost always appears figuratively: experiences or achievements that serve as intermediate stages toward a larger goal.

She saw the internship as a stepping stone to a full-time position.

Also spelled as one word: steppingstones.

progression

stages

Distinct periods or platforms

phasesDistinct periods in sequence
incrementsUnits of increase
building blocksBasic units for construction

rungs · ladder · sequence · chain · series · trajectory · path · journey · course · route

opportunity

springboard

Flexible platform for jumping

launching padRocket departure platform
gatewayPoint of access
entry pointWhere access begins

foothold · toehold · bridge · opening · avenue · means · vehicle · catalyst · enabler · platform

literal

rocks

Solid mineral pieces

stonesSmall hard earth fragments
paversFlat stones for walkways
flagstonesFlat stones for paving

boulders · slabs · creek crossing · garden path · pond · stream · waterway · ford · riverbed · hopping

career

internship

Supervised professional trial period

apprenticeshipLearning trade through employment
entry-levelRequiring minimal prior experience
promotionRank increase or publicity

mentor · networking · resume · experience · qualification · credential · training · education · job · position

Categories

fairy gardenfairy figurine, fairy house, fairy door, fairy dust, fairy wings
stone landscapingrock gardens, gravel beds, flagstone, river rocks, granite
crossingspedestrian crossing, cross, railroad crossing, river crossing, border crossing
garden pathsflagstone path, flagstones, gravel path, brick path, cobblestones
stone pavingcobblestone, flagstone, paving stones, setts, bluestone
tea ceremonytea ceremony, tea master, tea bowl, tea room, matcha

Opposites

progress facilitation

stepping stonesroadblocks

Obstructions blocking forward movement

obstacles · barriers · stumbling blocks · dead ends · impediments

crossing method

stepping stonesbridge

Structure spanning an obstacle

causeway · ford · tunnel · overpass · walkway

goal orientation

stepping stonesultimate goal

Final desired outcome

endpoint · finish line · culmination · end point · dead end

Family

step, stone, steps, stoned, stepping, stepper, steppers, stepping stone

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G