break ground

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

“Paul cooks with that weight in mind. If there’s a parallel to my story at Momofuku, it’s not about breaking ground—it’s about insisting that food with deep cultural roots deserves ambition, nuance and respect.”

From The Wall Street Journal

To support increased production, Lockheed Martin said it would break ground on a new facility in Camden, Arkansas.

From The Wall Street Journal

They broke ground on a center that will allow them to provide after-school care for kids where they can do homework, build relationships and confidence in a safe environment.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Lawmakers know that most of these sites break ground long before the public even hears about them.

From Salon

Related Words

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