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.
Africa's richest man was set to break ground on a new $16-billion mega-refinery in Kenya on Wednesday that he says will mark a vital step towards the continent's self-sufficiency in fuel.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
The developer plans to break ground in September on a master-planned community to include more than 7,200 homes, offices, shops and parks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
The campus renovation is slated to break ground in October, with completion targeted before the 2028 Summer Olympics.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
Developer plans to break ground in September on a master-planned community to include 7,200 homes, offices and parks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Machines from the Capitol break ground for a new factory where we will make medicines.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
