English Explanatory Dictionary

stand on the shoulders of giants

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To build on the achievements of others before one.

Word forms

stand on the shoulders of giants stands on the shoulders of giants standing on the shoulders of giants stood on the shoulders of giants

Etymology

Extracted from dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants. Often attributed to Isaac Newton (see quotations), but in other forms already in use earlier.

Derived words

stand on someone's shoulders
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