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
Recent Examples on the Web
But focusing on meeting your essential needs first will lay the foundation for eventually finding the physical ability to do more.
2.
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Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
Such partnerships have the potential to address immediate needs and lay the foundation for sustained progress, creating a robust framework that benefits all parties involved.
—Haroldo Jacobovicz, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
These intentional choices lay the foundation for a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute, and where a passing idea can spark real, transformative progress.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
This will also lay the foundation for your SEO (search engine optimization), SERM (search engine reputation management) and ORM (online reputation management) efforts.
—Andrey Insarov, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
Such partnerships have the potential to address immediate needs and lay the foundation for sustained progress, creating a robust framework that benefits all parties involved.
—Haroldo Jacobovicz, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
These intentional choices lay the foundation for a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute, and where a passing idea can spark real, transformative progress.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
This will also lay the foundation for your SEO (search engine optimization), SERM (search engine reputation management) and ORM (online reputation management) efforts.
—Andrey Insarov, Forbes, 5 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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