lay a foundation
verbEtymology Figurative senses from the idea of laying a foundation as the first step in constructing a building.
1
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lay, foundation.
2
Law To elicit information from a witness to show that the witness has knowledge of a matter before the witness testifies to the matter itself.
- In order to lay a foundation for the witness to describe the murder, the prosecutor first had to show that the witness was present when the murder occurred.
3
Figuratively To make a start.
- You should lay a foundation, even if you can't finish the project.