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
Offer free tools, educational resources or personalized consultations to lay the foundation of a reciprocal relationship.
—
William Decourcy, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Some think that Buffett is holding out for better opportunities when prices come down during an economic downturn, while strengthening the cash war chest as a way to lay the foundation for his successor, Greg Abel.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024
Once the actors lay the foundation with their training, Winquist and his team use technology to turn them into photorealistic apes.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
Or the states could receive federal funding to create separate schools for Black residents.
TSU at a crossroads: After an upheaval in leadership and scrutiny from the state, TSU is working to lay a foundation for its future.
—Todd A. Price, The Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation 
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William Decourcy, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Some think that Buffett is holding out for better opportunities when prices come down during an economic downturn, while strengthening the cash war chest as a way to lay the foundation for his successor, Greg Abel.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024
Once the actors lay the foundation with their training, Winquist and his team use technology to turn them into photorealistic apes.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
Or the states could receive federal funding to create separate schools for Black residents.
TSU at a crossroads: After an upheaval in leadership and scrutiny from the state, TSU is working to lay a foundation for its future.
—Todd A. Price, The Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Lay vs. Lie
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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 20 Jan. 2025.
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