lay the groundwork (for something)



Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day!

lay the groundwork (for something)

To create or prepare the basics or essential foundation (for something); to pave the way (for something). Our success with this healthcare bill wouldn't be possible, had the previous administration not laid the groundwork already. As CEO of the company, I laid the groundwork for one of the most successful international firms in the country.
See also: lay

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Yan (1)-Belarusian
TaunoTOW-noFinnish
Sukarnosoo-KAHR-noIndonesian, Javanese
JerÓNimohe-RO-nee-mo (Spanish)Spanish, Portuguese
HerbertHUR-bərt (English), er-BER (French), HER-bert (Polish)English, German, French, Slovene, Polish
TristanTRIS-tən (English), trees-TAWN (French)Welsh, English, French, Arthurian Romance