Meaning of lay a foundation | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lay, foundation.
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.
3. To make a start.
   figuratively

Examples

“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.”

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

CEFR level