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break ground — to begin construction of a building or development

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to begin construction of a building or development

Pronunciation (IPA): /breɪk ɡraʊnd/

Example Sentences

  • The tech startup broke ground with their revolutionary app that translates dog barks into human language.
  • Apple broke ground in smartphone technology with the introduction of the iPhone.
  • The mayor will break ground for the new shopping mall despite protests from local cats who claimed it was their favorite napping spot.

break ground

VERB

[/breɪk ɡraʊnd/]

to begin construction of a building or development

a construction foreman in a hard hat raises a large shovel and strikes it into the marked earth for the first time. Dirt flies up as the shovel penetrates the ground, officially starting the construction project. A bulldozer operator nearby starts his engine while other workers cheer and point at the freshly broken soil. Construction materials and blueprints are visible as the team prepares for the building phase ahead. the beginning of construction work on a new building or development
💡 Concept

a construction foreman in a hard hat raises a large shovel and strikes it into the marked earth for the first time. Dirt flies up as the shovel penetrates the ground, officially starting the construction project. A bulldozer operator nearby starts his engine while other workers cheer and point at the freshly broken soil. Construction materials and blueprints are visible as the team prepares for the building phase ahead. the beginning of construction work on a new building or development

Break ground, make sound, shake mound all around!
🎵 Rhyme

Break ground, make sound, shake mound all around!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/breɪk ɡraʊnd/
🇬🇧 UK/breɪk ɡraʊnd/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase originates from the literal construction practice of ceremonially breaking ground to begin building work. From the 19th century onward, it evolved into a figurative expression meaning to initiate or pioneer a new project or venture.

Breakdown

break (to begin, to initiate) + ground (earth, foundation). The compound originally referred to the ceremonial act of disturbing soil to commence construction, later extending to any pioneering endeavor.

🎵Rhyme

make soundshake moundtake round
make sound
shake mound
take round

🔗Collocations

break ground on a project
break new ground
groundbreaking ceremony
break ground for construction
break ground in research

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The tech startup broke ground with their revolutionary app that translates dog barks into human language.”

“Apple broke ground in smartphone technology with the introduction of the iPhone.”

😄 Fun example

“The mayor will break ground for the new shopping mall despite protests from local cats who claimed it was their favorite napping spot.”

“Scientists are breaking ground in cancer research with new immunotherapy treatments.”

📚Related Words

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