Long steps taken while walking or running, or significant progress or advances in development. Can refer to both physical movement and metaphorical advancement.
From Old English 'stride' meaning to step over or bestride, related to Dutch 'strijden' (to fight, struggle). The sense of 'significant progress' developed from the idea of covering ground with long steps, first recorded in the 19th century.
The phrase 'making strides' beautifully captures how we conceptualize progress as physical movement through space—we 'advance' in our careers, 'move forward' with plans, and 'take steps' toward goals. This metaphorical use shows how deeply walking and progress are connected in human cognition.
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