lay the groundwork (for something)



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lay the groundwork (for something)

To create or prepare the basics or essential foundation (for something); to pave the way (for something). Our success with this healthcare bill wouldn't be possible, had the previous administration not laid the groundwork already. As CEO of the company, I laid the groundwork for one of the most successful international firms in the country.
See also: lay

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JÚLiaZHOO-lyə (Portuguese), YOO-lee-aw (Hungarian)Portuguese, Catalan, Hungarian, Slovak
Raginald-Ancient Germanic
Crispian-English (Archaic)
Tobin['təubin]
FabianFAH-bee-ahn (German, Dutch), FAH-byahn (Polish), FAY-bee-ən (English)German, Dutch, Polish, History
Bekki-English (Modern)