groundwork
/ˈɡraʊn(d)wəːk
/noun [mass noun]
Preliminary or basic work: the inquiry’s findings are expected to lay the groundwork for a complete overhaul of the system...
- With these two books he covers most of the basic groundwork for becoming a photographer.
- The first step is to do the basic groundwork of self-education on the issues and problems to be combated.
- But no amount of groundwork could prepare you for the verticality of the cliffs here.
Synonyms
preliminary work, preliminaries, preparations, preparatory measures, basic work, spadework, legwork, hard work, donkey work, hack work;
planning, arrangements, organization, homework;
basics, rudiments, essentials, fundamentals, underpinning, footing, foundation, cornerstone
informal nitty-gritty, nuts and bolts, brass tacks