lay the first stone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This is the government and legislature that have the ambition to lay the first stone and start building this blessed project," said Matteo Salvini, the infrastructure minister and head of the League coalition party.

From Reuters • Nov. 22, 2022

I go to lay the first stone of a house upon a Property I have—that house shall be my decoration.

From The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete by Forster, John

For myself, I sincerely trust that the good work of which we are now assembled to lay the first stone may, under God's blessing, prosper and accomplish its purpose.

From Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 by VII, Edward

Where, above all, are the signs of that combined generosity, firmness and foresight in statesmen or soldiers which alone could lay the first stone of reconciliation?

From The Insurrection in Paris by Davy (An Englishman)

Thus late in life did Defoe lay the first stone of his literary reputation.

From Daniel Defoe by Minto, William