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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Accelerate growth and lay a foundation for future growth. Joe Mozden, Forbes, 2 June 2022 Garland was part of a three-pronged class -- Dylan Windler and Kevin Porter Jr. being the other two -- expected to lay a foundation for the rebuild. Chris Fedor, cleveland, 4 Feb. 2022 The Mayflower Compact, signed 400 years ago this week, helped lay a foundation for America’s commitment to government by consent of the governed. Joseph Loconte, National Review, 11 Nov. 2020 Smith and Boston could begin to lay a foundation for an outstanding high-low duo. Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 11 May 2023 It’s set up to be a much better opportunity for Billups to showcase his coaching chops and lay a foundation for the Blazers’ next chapter. Bill Oram, oregonlive, 19 Oct. 2022 What comes next may position CVS to enter a new phase of delivering health care, as CVS executives said in a call with investors after the announcement that the deal would lay a foundation to expand into home health care. Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2022 Anyone with the will to succeed and the tenacity to lay a foundation and adopt this persona can become a Methodical Innovator. Sri Manchala, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Wednesday’s hearing could help lay a foundation for legislation in that vein and other proposals, such as instituting new windfall taxes on the industry and using that money to provide relief to consumers. Joseph Morton, Dallas News, 6 Apr. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lay a/the foundation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near lay a/the foundation

Cite this Entry

“Lay a/the foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%2Fthe%20foundation. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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