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
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Boards that embrace this challenge will not only navigate the immediate demands of the workforce but will lay the foundation for resilience and sustainable growth, driving lasting impact from the boardroom to every level of the organization.
—
Keith D. Dorsey, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The work ahead for both landers is vital, according to NASA, which aims under its Artemis program to use a slate of uncrewed lunar missions to lay the foundation for a permanent lunar settlement when humans return as early as 2027.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
The premiere picks up some time after where the first season left off, with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) now a key player in Luthen Rael’s (Stellan Skarsgård) spy ring, carrying out missions to disrupt the Empire and lay the foundation for what will become the Rebel Alliance.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Trust plays a big factor: Leaders who trust their teams to make decisions and contribute innovative ideas lay the foundation for a highly collaborative culture.
—Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Keith D. Dorsey, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The work ahead for both landers is vital, according to NASA, which aims under its Artemis program to use a slate of uncrewed lunar missions to lay the foundation for a permanent lunar settlement when humans return as early as 2027.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
The premiere picks up some time after where the first season left off, with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) now a key player in Luthen Rael’s (Stellan Skarsgård) spy ring, carrying out missions to disrupt the Empire and lay the foundation for what will become the Rebel Alliance.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Trust plays a big factor: Leaders who trust their teams to make decisions and contribute innovative ideas lay the foundation for a highly collaborative culture.
—Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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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 17 May. 2025.
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