# ground floor

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ground-floor
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The initial stage of a project.

## Examples

- I want to join the project on the ground floor.
- She invested in the startup early because she wanted to be in on the ground floor.
- By joining the research team at the ground floor, he gained a unique perspective on the project's evolution and eventual success.

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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.