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

“In Europe, share dynamics are showing early positive trends, and we believe the business is well-positioned to build on that progress.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

It added it would build on the more than 45,000 attempted crossings stopped since the 2024 election.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

During organized-team activities, he appeared fit and sounded determined to build on an All-Pro resume that could eventually earn him a record-setting contract.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

"One particularly notable finding that we can build on is the upregulation of a member of the plexin-B family of receptors in the absence of SORLA," said Huijie Huang.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

“It means La Cocina de la Isla isn’t the only business that wants to build on the lot next to the restaurant.”

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya

Related Words

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