break ground

1. 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]

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]

Idioms and Phrases

Also, break new ground .

Example Sentences

CIM hopes to break ground on the project next year and complete it by 2028, Kuba said.

From Los Angeles Times

In November, the University of South Florida will break ground on a 35,000-seat on-campus stadium that is projected to cost $340 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Continuum Partners hopes to break ground later next year, a timeline accelerated by a special designation fast-tracking any litigation filed under state environmental laws.

From Los Angeles Times

To keep legislators on their side, federal officials would imply that a project in their district would break ground soon, as long as Congress continued approving appropriations.

From Slate

Others blame the nonnative trees for lifting sidewalks and clogging sewer lines with their roots, or are willing to sacrifice the trees to break ground on a project they believe will bring economic vitality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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