stepping-stone

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stepping-stone \Step"ping-stone`\, n.
   1. A stone to raise the feet above the surface of water or
      mud in walking.
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   2. Fig.: A means of progress or advancement.
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            These obstacles his genius had turned into
            stepping-stones.                      --Macaulay.
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            That men may rise on stepping-stones
            Of their dead selves to higher things. --Tennyson.
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