lay the groundwork/foundation

phrase

: to provide the right conditions
We are laying the groundwork/foundation for additional research.

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lay the blame/responsibility on
lay the groundwork/foundation
lay to
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Cite this Entry

“Lay the groundwork/foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20the%20groundwork%2Ffoundation. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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