lay a foundation

短语

词形变化

lays a foundation 三单 lays a foundation laying a foundation 现在分词 laid a foundation 过去式 laid a foundation 过去分词

释义与例句

v.
  1. 1.

    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lay, foundation.

  2. 2.

    To elicit information from a witness to show that the witness has knowledge of a matter before the witness testifies to the matter itself.

    法律

    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. 3.

    To make a start.

    比喻

    You should lay a foundation, even if you can't finish the project.

词源

Figurative senses from the idea of laying a foundation as the first step in constructing a building.

来源：wiktionary