Word Breakdown
垫(diàn)v. lay something underneath something else
脚(jiǎo)n. foot
石(shí)n.stone
Definition & Usage
The literal meaning of "垫脚石" is a stone that lying underneath one's feet, in a nutshell, a stepping stone. With a "垫脚石", one can reach higher and get what he wants. Therefore, "垫脚石" is a metaphor for a person whom others use to advance one's career or goal.
The trick is that people often get "垫脚石" mixed up with the word "敲门砖". In the Chinese context, "垫脚石" is often used in a derogatory sense, referring to a person sacrificing the interests of others for the sake of his own promotion and purpose. While "敲门砖" refers to a brick that knocked on the door and was abandoned after the door was knocked open. "敲门砖" is an analogy of a preliminary tool for fame and fortune.
Example Sentences
他把老百姓当成自己升官发财的垫脚石，自己拼命往上爬。
Tā bǎ lǎobǎixìng dàngchéng zìjǐ shēngguān fācái de diànjiǎoshí, zìjǐ pīnmìng wǎng shàng pá.
He takes citizens as a stepping stone to get promoted and gain wealth, and he uses them to climb up.
我可不想成为他往上爬的垫脚石。想让我帮他这个忙？没门。
Wǒ kě bùxiǎng chéngwéi tā wǎng shàng pá de diànjiǎoshí. Xiǎng ràng wǒ bāng tā zhè ge máng? Méimén.
I don't want to be a stepping stone for him to climb up. Want me to do this for him? No way.
总要有人做出牺牲，总要有人当垫脚石。
Zǒng yào yǒurén zuò chū xīshēng, zǒng yào yǒurén dāng diànjiǎoshí.
After all, there's always someone who has to make sacrifices, and someone who has to be a stepping stone.
Credit: Situ Chinese