lay a/the foundation
idiom
1
: to create a usually stone or concrete structure that supports a building from underneath
2
: to provide something (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) from which another thing develops or can develop
Her early research laid the foundation for many important medical discoveries.
Examples of lay a/the foundation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Either way, two-way or three-way discussions could lay the foundation for later agreement.
—
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Tasting note: Rich caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla lay the foundation.
—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 Aug. 2025
Now, tomorrow's episode will lay the foundation for next week's grand finale.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
In fact, the strength, determination and resilience formed in hard times can lay a foundation for even better things to come.
—Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Tasting note: Rich caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla lay the foundation.
—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 Aug. 2025
Now, tomorrow's episode will lay the foundation for next week's grand finale.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
In fact, the strength, determination and resilience formed in hard times can lay a foundation for even better things to come.
—Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay a/the foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%2Fthe%20foundation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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