ENGLISH
REFERENCE

facts on the ground

idiom
Meaning

The situation in reality as opposed to in the abstract.


Origin

disputed origin

Back-formation from put facts on the ground.

Examples
SIMPLE

We must look at the facts on the ground before deciding.

CONTEXTUAL

The government's official report ignores the facts on the ground that local residents face every day.

COMPLEX

Diplomats often struggle to reconcile their theoretical peace proposals with the harsh facts on the ground in the conflict zone.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    common ground

    A characteristic or interest shared by multiple people or systems; any belief, etc. held in common.

  2. 02

    ear to the ground

    The practice or characteristic of carefully gathering information; a state or mindset of attentiveness.

  3. 03

    eyes on the ground

    One or more observers in an area of interest.

  4. 04

    from the ground up

    From the beginning; starting with the basics, foundation, or fundamentals.

  5. 05

    get off the ground

    To succeed or begin to succeed.

  6. 06

    go to ground

    To hide from public view or sequester oneself, especially when authorities, members of the news media, or others are looking for one.

  7. 07

    ground ball with eyes

    A weakly hit ground ball that barely evades the infielders.

  8. 08

    ground floor

    The initial stage of a project.

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