plant a seed
Begin future growth
To plant a seed is literally to put a seed in soil so it can grow.
Figuratively, it means to introduce an idea that may develop over time: The teacher planted a seed of curiosity that lasted a lifetime.
The phrase suggests something small that could grow into something significant—you plant a seed of doubt, suspicion, or hope, then wait to see what takes root.
- lay the groundworkEstablish necessary preliminaries
- put down rootsEstablish a permanent home
- take rootBecome firmly fixed
- garden bedBordered area for cultivation
- green thumbInborn skill with plants
cultivate · foster · propagate · sow · nurture · fertile ground · compost · innovate · inspire · germinate · initiate · instill · manifest · envision · inception · fertilize · develop · potting soil
plant a seednip in the bud
Stop at the start
snuff out · squelch · give up on · stifle · quash
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