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.

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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