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
Read the IndustryWeek report for three key milestones needed to lay a foundation for supply chain excellence and accelerated growth.
—
Zoryana Zagorodnya, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
But by embracing a bold vision of consistent organizing and contesting every race, Democrats can lay the foundation for a stronger, more robust party.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Related article Orthorexia: An eating disorder that few people understand and many accidentally applaud
If parents want to lay the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of movement, turning exercise into something associated with dread or shame isn’t the answer.
—Oona Hanson, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
The courts made that decision because the defense failed to lay a foundation for the admission of the evidence during cross-examination of the informant, according to court documents.
—Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation 
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Zoryana Zagorodnya, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
But by embracing a bold vision of consistent organizing and contesting every race, Democrats can lay the foundation for a stronger, more robust party.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Related article Orthorexia: An eating disorder that few people understand and many accidentally applaud
If parents want to lay the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of movement, turning exercise into something associated with dread or shame isn’t the answer.
—Oona Hanson, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
The courts made that decision because the defense failed to lay a foundation for the admission of the evidence during cross-examination of the informant, according to court documents.
—Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
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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 22 Dec. 2024.
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