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build on sand

 - 2 dictionary results
build   (bĭld)   
v.   built (bĭlt), build·ing, builds

v.   tr.
  1. To form by combining materials or parts; construct.

  2. To order, finance, or supervise the construction of: The administration built several new housing projects.

  3. To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create: build a nation; built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.

  4. To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to: money building interest in a savings account; build support for a political candidate.

  5. To establish a basis for; found or ground: build an argument on fact.

v.   intr.
  1. To make something by combining materials or parts.

  2. To engage in the construction or design of buildings: "Each of the three architects built in a different style" (Dwight Macdonald).

  3. To develop in magnitude or extent: clouds building on the horizon.

  4. To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity: suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.

n.  
  1. The physical makeup of a person or thing; physique: an athletic build.

  2. Computer Science Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.

  3. To develop or increase in stages or by degrees: built up the business; building up my endurance for the marathon.

  4. To accumulate or collect: sediment building up on the ocean floor.

  5. To bolster: build up the product with a massive ad campaign; built up my hopes after the interview.

  6. To fill up (an area) with buildings.

Phrasal Verb(s):
build in/intoTo construct or include as an integral part of: a wall with shelving that was built in; build stability into the economy.
build on/uponTo use as a basis or foundation: We must build on our recent success.
build up
  1. To develop or increase in stages or by degrees: built up the business; building up my endurance for the marathon.

  2. To accumulate or collect: sediment building up on the ocean floor.

  3. To bolster: build up the product with a massive ad campaign; built up my hopes after the interview.

  4. To fill up (an area) with buildings.


Idiom(s):
build on sandTo provide with an unstable foundation: Having bought only high-risk stocks, my portfolio was built on sand.

[Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; see bheuə- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

build on sand

Use an unstable foundation, as in If you buy nothing but high-risk stocks, your portfolio will be built on sand. This metaphor appears in the New Testament, where Jesus likens those who do not heed his sayings to a foolish man who builds his house on sand, which then is washed away by rain, flood, and wind (Matthew 7:24-27). [c. 1600]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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