build on

Idioms  

1. Also, build upon. Add as an extension; use as a basis or foundation. For example, They decided to build on an addition, or She was building all her hopes on passing the exam. John Locke had this idiom in his treatise on government (1689): “Sovereignty built on ‘property’ . . . comes to nothing.” [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

build on

Arsenal are determined to strengthen their squad with high quality players this summer as they look to build on last season's title.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

“Never let the salary range shrink your own expectation if you were already aiming higher,” he said, adding that a salary range is a “floor to build on, not a cage or a ceiling.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

Officials and analysts say the country is content for now to stand back and let economic pressure build on Iran’s leadership but would get involved if attacked.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

The new schools leader emphasized the sense of family and shared purpose he hoped to build on, a setting that he said would benefit students.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Down on our dirt road by the river there are just boats and wormy-looking docks and dock houses and whatever else you build on a flowing river.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• believe in
• bet on
• count on
• lean on
• look to
• rely on