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

At length, on 18th April 1645, the proud queen was able to lead the future king, a boy of seven years, to lay the first stone.

From The Story of Paris by Kimball, Katherine

She knew that her Grandmother Felicite was going to lay the first stone of the Rougon Asylum, the triumphant monument destined to carry down to future ages the glory of the family.

From Doctor Pascal by Serrano, Mary J. (Mary Jane)

But there were still such multitudes, that it was with great difficulty I got through them, to lay the first stone.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 10 — Lives and Letters by Mee, Arthur

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

From Daniel Defoe by Minto, William