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
The test match doubleheader has been a year in the making and is part of World Rugby and USA Rugby’s efforts to lay the foundation for successful Olympic games and Rugby World Cups in 2028, 2031, and 2033.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The company’s mission has been to lay the foundation for a multi-format comedy home where stand-up is just the beginning, with projects in scripted, unscripted, and the documentary space to follow.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
Israel Increasing 'Pressure and Pace' of Strikes The Trump White House had hoped that the new Syrian government would join the Abraham Accords, its effort to improve relations between Israel and Arab states in the Middle East, and lay the foundation for a lasting peace in the region.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Beyond the money, Ford employees, dealers and nonprofits will provide immediate help and lay the foundation for recovery by running shelters and reunification centers and distributing emergency food boxes.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 14 July 2025
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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
The test match doubleheader has been a year in the making and is part of World Rugby and USA Rugby’s efforts to lay the foundation for successful Olympic games and Rugby World Cups in 2028, 2031, and 2033.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The company’s mission has been to lay the foundation for a multi-format comedy home where stand-up is just the beginning, with projects in scripted, unscripted, and the documentary space to follow.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
Israel Increasing 'Pressure and Pace' of Strikes The Trump White House had hoped that the new Syrian government would join the Abraham Accords, its effort to improve relations between Israel and Arab states in the Middle East, and lay the foundation for a lasting peace in the region.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Beyond the money, Ford employees, dealers and nonprofits will provide immediate help and lay the foundation for recovery by running shelters and reunification centers and distributing emergency food boxes.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
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 Jan. 2026.
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