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
But the core trio is where Superman helps lay the foundation for the film’s more down-to-Earth qualities.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
All of it together will lay the foundation for the next generation of growth, which will be massive.
—Sanjay Ghare, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In a December interview with the Post-Tribune, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he was dedicated to deliver on blight elimination projects and lay a foundation for the city’s growth.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
My blood helped lay the foundation for the most popular and significant genres and cultural movements today.
—Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
All of it together will lay the foundation for the next generation of growth, which will be massive.
—Sanjay Ghare, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In a December interview with the Post-Tribune, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he was dedicated to deliver on blight elimination projects and lay a foundation for the city’s growth.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
My blood helped lay the foundation for the most popular and significant genres and cultural movements today.
—Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 23 Apr. 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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