dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  GlobalformalliteraryhumorousMachine
  • A self-deprecating expression acknowledging that one's accomplishments are made possible by the prior work of much greater figures.
  • To present oneself as small or modest in comparison with eminent predecessors while admitting reliance on their achievements.

  Examples

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  • I know my research is just a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, but I hope it adds something new to the field.

    Sé que mi investigación es solo un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, pero espero que aporte algo nuevo al campo.

  • The young artist humbly described himself as a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, acknowledging his inspirations.

    El joven artista se describió humildemente como un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, reconociendo sus inspiraciones.

  • Though the invention seems simple, it’s really a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, building on decades of innovation.

    Aunque la invención parece simple, en realidad es un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, construyendo sobre décadas de innovación.

• 2.

  GlobalinformalironicMachine
  • An ironic or critical description of a person or work that is insignificant or unimpressive despite being supported by the contributions of notable predecessors.
  • A phrase used to suggest that, even with the advantages conferred by great predecessors, the current actor remains comparatively minor or ineffective.

  Examples

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  • Critics called his novel a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, lacking originality despite its prestigious influences.

    Los críticos calificaron su novela como un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, careciendo de originalidad a pesar de sus influencias prestigiosas.

  • Some regarded the new policy as a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, failing to improve on previous efforts.

    Algunos consideraron la nueva política como un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, sin lograr mejorar los esfuerzos anteriores.

  • The company’s product was dismissed as a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants, a minor update to established technology.

    El producto de la empresa fue descartado como un enano sobre los hombros de gigantes, una actualización menor de tecnología establecida.