missing stair: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Missing stair is an idiom that describes a person or situation that is seen as problematic or dangerous, yet is tolerated by a group of people. It originates from the concept of a missing stair in a staircase, where people learn to avoid or step over the flaw instead of fixing it. This idiom gained popularity in the early 2010s within online communities, and it is often used to describe individuals who display harmful behavior but face no consequences or intervention.

Cliff Pervocracy, in a blog post titled "Missing Stair" published in 2011, is one of the earliest references to this idiom. In the post, Pervocracy explains the idea of the missing stair and how it relates to problematic individuals within social groups. This blog post played a significant role in popularizing the idiom and sparking discussions about the importance of addressing harmful behaviors within communities.

The metaphorical meaning of the missing stair idiom has since expanded beyond online communities. It is now used in various contexts to highlight situations where an issue or danger exists, but the people involved choose to ignore or normalize it. Workplace harassment, social dynamics, and systemic problems that society overlooks are some of the topics in which this idiom has gained traction.

The idiom's relatability is one reason for its popularity. Many individuals have experienced situations where harmful behavior or problematic individuals are tolerated within a group. The missing stair idiom provides a concise and evocative way to convey this phenomenon. By likening the individual or situation to a structural flaw in a staircase, the idiom effectively captures the idea that ignoring or accepting such behavior can have long-lasting negative consequences.

It is important to note that there is no definitive origin or etymology for the phrase "missing stair" beyond its association with the concept of a physical defect in a staircase. The idiom's usage and meaning have evolved through online discussions and community engagement.

In addition to the missing stair idiom, there are other idioms related to this concept. One such idiom is the "everlasting staircase." This idiom refers to a situation or problem that seems to have no end or solution, much like an infinite staircase. In the context of problematic individuals or situations, the everlasting staircase idiom can highlight the frustration of dealing with long-standing issues that are never properly addressed.

Another related idiom is "fall through the cracks." This idiom describes a situation or person that goes unnoticed or is overlooked, resulting in something being missed or neglected. It can be applied to the missing stair concept by emphasizing that harmful behavior or dangerous situations should not be allowed to go unnoticed or unaddressed, as this can lead to negative consequences.

The third idiom related to missing stair is "stumbling-block." This idiom refers to an obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or causes problems. In the context of the missing stair concept, the stumbling-block idiom can highlight the negative impact that problematic individuals or situations can have on a group or community, hindering productivity, and creating a hostile environment.

The missing stair idiom serves as a valuable tool for discussing and addressing problematic individuals and situations in various domains. By understanding the implications of this idiom and the related idioms like the everlasting staircase, fall through the cracks, and stumbling-block, individuals and communities can work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment, where harmful behavior is not ignored or tolerated.