stepping-stone

Rule he sought after only as a stepping-stone to larger spoils.

Higher education in industrial art is the stepping-stone to this.

Who knows but what this may be a stepping-stone into a successful career?

Inasmuch as he had such a stepping-stone, the very least he could do was to make use of it.

Defeat has been accepted but as the stepping-stone to new endeavor.

It is mystery all—except that the accursed bridal will be the stepping-stone to her grave!

He just thought it a stepping-stone, but it was a tombstone.

They would by that time have made a stepping-stone of the emperor.

Then do you believe in journalism as a stepping-stone to literature?

This may be the stepping-stone that will lead you into the governors chair some day.