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

They came, however, that Mrs. Fordyce might act lady of the house, and Anne be bridesmaid, as well as lay the first stone of St. Cecily’s restored chapel.

From Chantry House by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

Tyco Brah� was afraid to lay the first stone of his observatory till the stars were in a 'happy conjunction.'

From Mated from the Morgue A tale of the Second Empire by O'Shea, John Augustus

I called at seven a.m. on David Mocatta, the architect, and informed him that we should lay the first stone at eight o'clock.

From Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, Volume I Comprising Their Life and Work as Recorded in Their Diaries From 1812 to 1883 by Loewe, Louis

Where he stopped to rest, there would they lay the first stone.

From The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts by Cory, Fanny Y.