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
The test match doubleheader has been a year in the making and is part of World Rugby and USA Rugby’s efforts to lay the foundation for successful Olympic games and Rugby World Cups in 2028, 2031, and 2033.
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Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The company’s mission has been to lay the foundation for a multi-format comedy home where stand-up is just the beginning, with projects in scripted, unscripted, and the documentary space to follow.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
When Discovery premiered in 2017, it was meant to lay the foundation of the streamer that was then called CBS All Access.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
Defense lawyers sought to lay the foundation that Ridley didn't actually have any power to block Phoenix from operating even if Cothren was transparent about his involvement.
—Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
The company’s mission has been to lay the foundation for a multi-format comedy home where stand-up is just the beginning, with projects in scripted, unscripted, and the documentary space to follow.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
When Discovery premiered in 2017, it was meant to lay the foundation of the streamer that was then called CBS All Access.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
Defense lawyers sought to lay the foundation that Ridley didn't actually have any power to block Phoenix from operating even if Cothren was transparent about his involvement.
—Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay a/the foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%2Fthe%20foundation. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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