lay the groundwork (for something)

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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.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Bernard	bər-NAHRD (English), BUR-nərd (English), ber-NAHR (French), BER-nahrt (Polish, Croatian)	English, French, Dutch, Polish, Croatian, Slovene, Czech, Ancient Germanic
Fidelma	fi-DEL-ma	Irish
Odette	o-DET	French
Chizoba	-	Western African, Igbo
Eckhart	EK-hahrt	German
Mridula	-	Indian, Hindi