Phrase guide

break new ground

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building, or, originally, for cultivation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To initiate a new venture, especially something never before attempted; to advance or innovate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: creuser un nouveau terrain — To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building
  • Polish: rozpoczynać kopanie i wyrównywanie ziemi pod nowy budynek lub uprawę — To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building
  • Polish: rozpocząć kopanie i wyrównywanie ziemi pod nowy budynek lub uprawę — To begin excavating and levelling earth for a new building
  • French: ouvrir de nouvelles voies — To initiate a new venture
  • Polish: być pionerem — To initiate a new venture
  • Spanish: abrir brecha — To initiate a new venture