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
"Now hand me up a branch," she cried, "and I will lay the first stone of our house!"
From The Eagle's Nest by Cartwright, S. E.
The chaplain and his wife were already at work among them, and their little church only waiting for the bride to lay the first stone.
From Beechcroft at Rockstone by Yonge, Charlotte Mary
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
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