lay the groundwork/foundation

:  to beat or strike down with force

:  to put or set down

:  to place for rest or sleep

:  covert, lair

:  something (such as a layer) that lies or is laid (see ¹lay)

:  line of action :  plan

: past tense oflie

:  a simple narrative poem :  ballad

:  melody, song

:  of or relating to the laity :  not ecclesiastical

:  of or relating to members of a religious house occupied with domestic or manual work

:  not of a particular profession

:  foundation, basis

:  preparation made beforehand

:  the act of founding

:  a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported

:  funds given for the permanent support of an institution :  endowment