prepare

prepare the ground

if you prepare the ground for an activity or a situation, you do something that will help it to happen. The leaders of both countries are preparing the ground for negotiations which may lead to peace. (usually + for)

See also: ground

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prepare the ground for something

to make conditions ready for something to happen in the future. These experiments prepared the ground for the development of sound-recording technology.

Usage notes: often used in a political context: Even if she is preparing the ground to run for governor, the senator will probably stay in the Senate.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of prepare the ground (= to make land ready for planting crops)

See also: ground

prepare the way (for someone/something)

to create an opportunity for something to happen. His comments prepared the way for the two organizations to work together. Her election prepared the way for me and others like me.

See also: way