paves the way
Makes possible later
To pave the way is to prepare conditions that make something else possible or easier.
The image is of laying a smooth road for others to travel: The treaty paved the way for decades of peace.
Often followed by "for": Her research paved the way for new treatments.
- enablesMakes something possible
- makes wayClears passage for another
- facilitatesMakes more possible
- opens doorsCreates new opportunities
- initiatesStarts or new members
prepares · foreshadows · ushers · pathfinder · trailblazes · amenable · preparative · pioneers · paver · rolls out the red carpet · groundwork · paver · preparative · paver