find solid ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find solid ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for stability, certainty, or a reliable foundation in a situation or decision-making process. Example: "After months of uncertainty, the team finally managed to find solid ground in their project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It ended up costing us about $40,000 in excavation costs to find solid ground".

The New York Times

With longer iceless periods, polar bears have to swim further and further to find solid ground.

The Guardian

Even as some parts of the country are tentatively emerging from the worst downturn since the Great Depression, this city cannot seem to find solid ground.

The New York Times

He writes about ethics in diverse modern societies, where it is often a challenge to find solid ground, let alone common ground.

The New York Times - Books

"You put the two together and you violate a self-help group and it's hard to find solid ground to stand on," he said.

The New York Times

There is not a single hole on the course that requires a 200-yard drive off the tee to find solid ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The good news, he said, is that "parts of the market seem to have found solid ground".

The New York Times

It is quite normal to experience some flux in international cricket – Australia and South Africa have made as many changes as England since the Champions Trophy in 2013, but both have found solid ground at the right moment.

The Guardian - Sport

The case illustrates the problems in speaker recognition, a forensic field with a checkered history that is trying to find solid scientific ground.

Science Magazine

They found solid middle ground with effective industrial policies.

Huffington Post

And I have always been able to find the solid ground to stand on, so far at least.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "find solid ground" when discussing the need for stability, certainty, or a reliable foundation in a situation or decision-making process. For example: "After months of uncertainty, the company managed to find solid ground in their new business strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "find solid ground" in literal contexts where physical ground is the only relevant meaning. This phrase is best suited for abstract situations concerning stability, security, or reliability, not just physical locations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find solid ground" functions as an idiomatic expression. It signifies the act of establishing a secure and stable position, often after a period of uncertainty or difficulty. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "find solid ground" is a versatile phrase used to describe the achievement of stability, security, or a reliable foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, this phrase is most effective when conveying the idea of overcoming challenges and establishing a point of certainty. Alternative phrases include "establish a firm footing" and "gain stability". Remember to use it metaphorically, avoiding literal interpretations to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a firm footing

Focuses on the action of making yourself safe and in a good position.

gain stability

Emphasizes the outcome of becoming more stable and secure.

achieve security

Highlights the attainment of a state of safety and freedom from worry.

find a safe haven

Implies finding a place of refuge and protection.

secure a foundation

Focuses on creating a base for future growth or success.

reach a stable position

Emphasizes the process of arriving at a state of equilibrium.

obtain certainty

Highlights the achievement of clarity and freedom from doubt.

discover a reliable base

Focuses on finding a foundation that can be trusted and depended upon.

land on your feet

Describes recovering quickly from a bad situation to get a good footing again.

get your bearings

Focuses on understanding your situation to start acting successfully.

FAQs

What does it mean to "find solid ground"?

To "find solid ground" means to establish a stable or secure position, either literally or figuratively. It often refers to overcoming uncertainty or instability and achieving a sense of security or certainty.

What can I say instead of "find solid ground"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a firm footing", "gain stability", or "achieve security" depending on the context.

Is "find solid ground" an idiom?

Yes, "find solid ground" is an idiom. It's a figurative expression where the words together have a meaning that is different from the literal meanings of the individual words.

How can "find solid ground" be used in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After a period of financial instability, the company finally managed to find solid ground with its new business strategy."