break new ground

/breɪk njuː ɡraʊnd/
phraseIntermediate to make progress in a new areaidiom
What It Really Means
To make significant progress or innovation in a new area.
Literal Meaning
To physically break or clear new soil or land.
Literal Breakdown
breakto separate or divide+newnot previously existing+groundthe surface of the earth
Mental Image
The mental image of clearing new land for farming or construction, symbolizing the start of something new.
When to Use
A scientist announces a breakthrough in their research, saying, 'Our findings break new ground in the field of medicine.'
Cultural Note
The phrase reflects the historical significance of breaking new land for agriculture or settlement, symbolizing progress and innovation.
formal

To make progress in a new area or field, often by introducing new ideas or methods.

The scientist's work broke new ground in genetic engineering.

The scientist made significant progress in genetic engineering.

The startup is breaking new ground with its innovative approach to education.

The startup is making progress in education with its new methods.

💡

This phrase is often used in academic, scientific, or business contexts to describe innovation or advancement.

Collocations

break new ground inmake progress in a specific area

Related Phrases

pioneer a new fieldphrase
to be the first to explore or develop a new area
cutting-edgephrase
very modern and advanced

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'break new ground' when referring to significant progress or innovation in a field.

Gold Rule

Formal Context

This phrase is more common in formal or professional settings.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal act of breaking new soil for farming or construction, symbolizing the start of something new.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in formal and professional contexts to describe innovation or the introduction of new ideas.

Word Breakdown

break
to separate or divide
root
+
new
recent or not previously existing
root
+
ground
the surface of the earth
root
English Dictionary