lay the (foundation/groundwork)
Meaning(s)
1. prepare or provide the basic idea(s) or structure(s) for something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
lay the foundation/groundwork for success/a deal/career
Analysis
When you 'lay the foundations' for something it means to create a base upon which other structures or larger ideas are built. You lay foundations before building a house for example or you could say that Darwin's theory of evolution laid the foundations for modern evolutionary theory. To 'lay the groundwork' has a similar meaning of creating a foundation for something or to put in the necessary work for something to begin.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The restructuring of the company last year is what has laid the foundation for the success we are currently enjoying.
- Rebecca credited her year-long apprenticeship at the company with laying the foundation of her future career in the industry.
- Last week's two hour meeting between the rival executives helped to lay the groundwork for the deal that was signed this morning.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I have laid the groundwork for the garden and hope to start planting in the Spring.
- My mother laid the foundations for my interest in music by taking me to concerts when I was a child.