break ground

1. Also, break new ground.

2. 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]

3. 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

The Saline project is expected to break ground next year.

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Meanwhile, Chinese carmakers have been aggressively ramping up their expansion to Europe in recent years, breaking ground on new facilities and beginning production across the region.

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This fall, High Point broke ground on a $100 million library.

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On Wednesday, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services broke ground on a new campus in Costa Mesa to act as a headquarters for Southern California disasters and emergencies.

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That means market demand is guaranteed for projects before they break ground.

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Related Words

• commence 
• create 
• do 
• establish 
• found 
• go ahead 
• go into 
• inaugurate 
• initiate 
• introduce 
• launch 
• lead 
• make 
• open 
• prepare 
• produce 
• set up 
• start 
• undertake