踏み台

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The compound 踏み台 (ふみだい) is a step stool and, figuratively, a stepping-stone to a later goal.
• Basic usage: One may 踏み台に乗る physically or make an experience 次の目標への踏み台にする.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A step stool and a stepping-stone
  • The figurative use can be negative when a person is exploited, but here the job serves as a step toward growth.