lay a/the foundation
idiom
1
: to create a usually stone or concrete structure that supports a building from underneath
2
: to provide something (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) from which another thing develops or can develop
Her early research laid the foundation for many important medical discoveries.
Examples of lay a/the foundation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are years of hard work, sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears that lay the foundation for just the chance to get to the top level of the game.
—
Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Mediators hope that the six-week truce between Israel and Hamas, which began on Sunday, could lay the foundation for a permanent end to the war in Gaza.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
This spell though on paper not a huge success did lay the foundation for his brilliant spell at Sunderland.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Listening leads to understanding, which can, in turn, lead to great self-confidence and lay the foundation for people's confidence in you.
—John Baldoni, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation 
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Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Mediators hope that the six-week truce between Israel and Hamas, which began on Sunday, could lay the foundation for a permanent end to the war in Gaza.
—Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
This spell though on paper not a huge success did lay the foundation for his brilliant spell at Sunderland.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Listening leads to understanding, which can, in turn, lead to great self-confidence and lay the foundation for people's confidence in you.
—John Baldoni, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lay a/the foundation
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
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Cite this Entry
“Lay a/the foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%2Fthe%20foundation. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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