# lay the groundwork

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lay-the-groundwork
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To create a foundation; to provide the basics or fundamentals.

## Examples

- 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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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.