lay a/the foundation

idiom

Definition of lay a/the foundation

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.

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lay aside

lay a/the foundation

layaway

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Cite this Entry

“Lay a/the foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%2Fthe%20foundation. Accessed 6 Dec. 2021.

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