break ground
Idioms-
Also, break new ground.
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Begin digging into the earth for new construction of some kind. For example, When will they break ground for the town hall? This usage alludes to breaking up the land with a plow. [Early 1700s]
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Take the first steps for a new venture; advance beyond previous achievements. For example, Jeff is breaking new ground in intellectual property law . [Early 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
David Grant, an artist who lost his house on the east side, expects to break ground on his new home by the end of January.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026
Lawmakers know that most of these sites break ground long before the public even hears about them.
From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025
The Saline project is expected to break ground next year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025
Azoff also said on Bloomberg TV said the Abu Dhabi Sphere would break ground around Jan. 1, 2026.
From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025
He would watch my beans break ground and spread, and would notice with pleasure their pods growing plump.
From "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
