lay the groundwork
To create a foundation; to provide the basics or fundamentals.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We must lay the groundwork before we start building.”
“The team spent weeks researching the market to lay the groundwork for their new business plan.”
“By establishing clear communication protocols early on, the manager successfully laid the groundwork for a productive and long-term collaboration between the two departments.”
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a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.
- 04
lay a finger on
To merely touch.
- 05
lay an anchor to the windward
To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.
- 06
lay an egg
To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.
- 07
lay at someone's door
To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).
- 08
lay by the heels
To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
Last updated August 10, 2026