sow the seeds of
Initiate future consequences
To sow the seeds of something is to do or say things that will eventually cause it to develop, usually something undesirable: His broken promises sowed the seeds of distrust.
The metaphor comes from planting—small actions now produce larger consequences later.
You can sow the seeds of doubt, discord, destruction, or one's own downfall.
- createCause to exist
- foundDiscovered or established
- originateTo come into existence
- instigateCause to begin
- cultivateGrow or develop purposefully
foster · trigger · discord · establish · pave the way · conflict · catalyze · harmony · trust · good will · cooperation · promote · resentment · stir up trouble · initiate · unity · encourage · division
sow the seeds ofuproot
Remove from the ground
eradicate · root out · nip in the bud · stamp out · extinguish
sow the seeds ofspark
Tiny fiery particle
precipitate · enact · execute
sows, sowed, sowing, sower, sowers, seed, seeds, seeded, seeding