build on sand: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘build on sand’ mean?
The idiom build on sand means to create or establish something on an unstable or unreliable foundation, making it likely to fail or collapse.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay the groundwork" means to establish a foundation or prepare the necessary conditions for something to happen or succeed.
The idiom "lay the groundwork" is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It refers to the process of establishing a solid foundation or preparation for something.
The idiom "lay on the line" means to take a risk or be open and honest about something, often exposing oneself to potential danger, criticism, or negative consequences.
The idiom "lay on" means to apply or administer something, usually in a forceful or excessive manner. It can also refer to providing or giving something, often in a generous or lavish way.
The idiom "lay eggs" means to produce or create something, often used to describe the act of generating new ideas, inventions, or solutions.
The idiom "lay an egg" means to fail or produce something that is of poor quality, generally in a public or embarrassing manner.
The idiom "land on one's feet" means to recover or be successful after a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests being able to adapt and find a positive outcome despite the circumstances.
The idiom "land on one's feet" is a common expression in the English language. When someone "lands on their feet," it means they have successfully overcome a difficult situation or setback and managed to come out of it in a positive or advantageous position.
The idiom "house of cards" refers to a situation or structure that is extremely fragile and easily destroyed or collapsed due to a small disturbance or mistake. It signifies a lack of strength, stability, or reliability, often used to describe precarious relationships, plans, or systems.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "from scratch" means to start something from the very beginning, without using any pre-existing materials or knowledge. It implies creating or building something anew, without any prior assistance or resources.
Unsteady Ground
The idiom "build castles in the air" is related to the concept of "build on sand." Both phrases evoke a sense of precariousness and instability. While "build on sand" emphasizes the potential failure of something constructed on a weak foundation, "build castles in the air" conveys the idea of constructing something fanciful or unrealistic, with no solid basis.
When someone is said to be "building castles in the air," it means they are indulging in wishful thinking or creating grand plans that are detached from reality. Similar to "build on sand," this idiom serves as a cautionary reminder to assess the feasibility and practicality of one's ideas or aspirations before investing time, energy, and resources.
Another related idiom is "build up." While "build on sand" focuses on the instability of a foundation, "build up" emphasizes the gradual process of development and growth. It refers to the act of strengthening and improving something over time, whether it's a skill, a business, or a relationship.
The phrase "bottom the house" is an idiom that shares a similar theme to "build on sand." It suggests the idea of constructing something on a weak or unreliable basis, leading to inevitable failure or collapse. "Bottom the house" can be used to caution against building or relying on something that lacks a solid foundation.
The idiom "built like a brick outhouse" is another phrase that relates to the concept of stability and strength. It describes someone or something that is exceptionally solid, durable, or well-constructed. In contrast to the fragility implied by "built on sand," being "built like a brick outhouse" suggests a foundation that is sturdy, reliable, and capable of withstanding external pressures.
The idioms "build castles in the air," "build up," "bottom the house," and "built like a brick outhouse" all provide different perspectives on the importance of a solid foundation and the potential consequences of constructing or relying on something without considering its stability or feasibility. These idiomatic expressions serve as valuable reminders to carefully evaluate the basis of our endeavors and to ensure they are built on solid ground.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "build on sand" can be used in a sentence:
- She realized that her relationship was built on sand when she discovered her partner's secrets.
- The company's success was temporary because their business model was built on sand, with no sustainable plan.
- Politicians who make promises without considering the long-term consequences are building their campaigns on sand.
More "Metaphors" idioms
