groundwork

[ ground-wurk ]

/ ˈgraʊndˌwɜrk /

foundation or basis: He laid the groundwork for an international conference.

Origin of groundwork

First recorded in 1540–50; ground¹ + work

“That was a good sign,” said one operative helping to lay the groundwork for a Hillary run.

The Race to Be Hillary’s Karl Rove |David Freedlander |November 26, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
This premiere has laid down the groundwork for a war: the underdogs and underappreciated will rise.

‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Premiere Is Super-Freaky (But a Little Boring) |Kevin Fallon |October 9, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The final victory, said Cruz, was “laying the groundwork to repeal every single word of Obamacare.”

What I Saw at Iowa’s So-Co Circus |Ben Jacobs |August 10, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Ravenel knows he may not win in November, but he says the run could lay the groundwork for something else down the road.

T-Rav: The Reality TV Star Running for Senate in South Carolina |Patricia Murphy |July 4, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

“He is absolutely laying the groundwork to make a decision,” said Hogan Gidley, a longtime adviser to the governor.

Happy Huckabee Gets Mad |David Freedlander |May 6, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
No plaster of Paris (which is sulphate of lime) should be used in the preparation of the groundwork.

British Manufacturing Industries |L. Arnoux
Force employed to effect spoliation forms the groundwork of human annals.

Economic Sophisms |Frederic Bastiat
The border and groundwork in point d'esprit, the centre star in point de reprise, the pattern in point de toile.

Beeton's Book of Needlework |Isabella Beeton
The thrilling period during the last years of our struggle for independence forms the groundwork for Colonel Nortons latest work.

Wheat and Huckleberries |Charlotte Marion (White) Vaile
This lexicon came to be the groundwork on which subsequent lexicographers, recognizing its merit, built up their larger works.

The Century of Columbus |James J. Walsh

groundwork

/ (ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk) /

preliminary work as a foundation or basis

the ground or background of a painting, etc