groundwork
n. 基础；地基，根基；准备工作
例句
Yesterday's meeting was to lay the groundwork for the task ahead.
昨天的会议为后面的任务打下了基础。
《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》
Diplomats meeting in Chile have laid the groundwork for far-reaching environmental regulations.
在智利会晤的外交官们已经为长远的环境保护规则奠定了基础。
They had laid the groundwork for future development.
他们为此后的发展奠定了基础。
《牛津词典》
