on the ground
prep. phr..prep. phr.. This phrase can mean literally on the surface of the earth. It also often means being physically present at the place where an event is happening, not in a distant office.
prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating either physical location on the earth's surface or, more figuratively, presence at the actual site of an event, as opposed to a remote or administrative location.
The keys are on the ground by the door.
Our reporters on the ground say the situation is changing quickly.
While strategists debated policy from afar, the aid workers on the ground dealt with the immediate crisis.
Often used in news, military, or business contexts to mean 'at the scene of the action'.
Contrast the literal, spatial meaning with the common figurative meaning of being present at an event, which is useful for understanding news reports.
The situation in the ground is difficult.The situation on the ground is difficult.The correct preposition is 'on' when describing the reality of a situation at its location.