Hip-hop was once seen by some observers as a stepping stone out of urban poverty and violence.

He sees service as a stone that ripples with impact and allows people to step out of their own world and give back to society.

The office is also seen as a stepping stone to the office of governor.

"They see the university just as other immigrant groups saw it - as a stepping stone to success."

He sees everyone as a stepping stone to science, the greater good, and thus only derives happiness at others' expense.

It is seen as a stepping stone to political unification.

This show is seen as a stepping stone for new artists who are trying to break into the music and arts world.

It is also to be seen as a stepping stone to further bilingual specialisation.

Some saw it as a stepping stone to independence, while others wanted to go straight for independence.

Says he saw it as a 'stepping stone' to the real thing in 2012.