# from the ground up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/from-the-ground-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- They built their new house from the ground up.
- She started her small business from the ground up with very little money.
- The software engineer decided to rewrite the entire operating system from the ground up to ensure it was secure and efficient.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.