lay the groundwork/foundation

idiom

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

Examples of lay the groundwork/foundation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The idea was simple: strike up enough relationships in that universe, portray Combs as the kind of victim that Trump pretends to be, play up Combs and Trump’s past chummy relationship, and lay the groundwork for begging for a pardon or clemency if needed. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2025 These early wins can build internal confidence and lay the groundwork for scaling AI across other customer touchpoints. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 These vary in monetary sums, recipients, and intended purposes, but could all lay the groundwork for more widespread adoption in the future, softening the novelty of basic income programs and providing clarity on the fiscal implications of such radical alternatives to traditional welfare models. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025 This could lay the groundwork for consumers to adopt FCEVs in the city. James Morris, Fortune, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lay the groundwork/foundation

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lay the groundwork/foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20the%20groundwork%2Ffoundation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!