on the shoulders of giants

on the shoulders of giants

Having the discoveries or bodies of work of great minds that have come before as a basis for one's own discoveries, insights, or progress. Though this is indeed an exciting discovery toward curing cancer, we have stood on the shoulders of giants to reach this point today. If I have been able to make any kind of success in this field, it is only because I have been carried on the shoulders of giants who paved the way ahead of me.

See also: giant, of, on, shoulder

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.