break ground
The phrase "break ground" is used in various contexts, including construction, agriculture, nautical, and aviation, often symbolizing the start of a new endeavor.
Definition
B2Construction
(formal, common)To begin a construction project by digging or excavating the site.
Example
- The company will break ground on the new office building next month.
B2Figurative
(common)To start a new venture or project, often implying innovation or significant progress.
Example
- The scientist's research broke new ground in cancer treatment.
C1Nautical
(technical)To lift an anchor off the sea bottom when preparing to sail.
Example
- The ship broke ground and set sail at dawn.
C1Aviation
(technical)To separate from the ground and become airborne during takeoff.
Example
- The aircraft broke ground smoothly and ascended into the sky.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break ground":
break new groundbreak throughdig downbreak indig output in the groundbreak waterground gamedig inbreak the icelay a foundationcover groundbreak the molddig intobreak the storygo to groundbreak breadbreak intogo undergroundget off the groundbreak covergive groundbreak outdig upbreak withbroken fieldthrow dirt