Their new business plan is built on sand.
build on sand
idiomTo put something in an unstable position by failing to give it a secure foundation.
Origin
disputed originFrom the Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Builders in Matthew 7:24–27.
Because they ignored the basic legal requirements, the entire project was built on sand and soon collapsed.
By basing his entire political platform on empty promises rather than concrete policy, the candidate ensured his campaign was built on sand.
- 01
build a better mousetrap
To create a new product, method, or idea that is better than an existing version of something already common or widely used.
- 02
build a case
to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.
- 03
build bridges
Often followed by between or to: to establish friendly relations or links.
- 04
build castles in the air
To have any desire, idea, or plan that is unlikely to be realized; to imagine visionary projects or schemes; to have an idle fancy or a pipe dream; to daydream.
- 05
build character
To improve a person's character by developing personality traits such as resilience or responsibility.
- 06
build the plane while flying it
To develop one's approach or strategy to a project while carrying out that project, and not beforehand.
- 07
build up
To accumulate: to increase incrementally or continually.
- 08
bury one's head in the sand
To deliberately ignore the reality of a situation; to pretend a problem does not exist.