What does "break ground" mean?

To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.

What is a synonym for "break ground"?

Common synonyms include: break, break the ice, cast away, cast loose, cast off, cat the anchor.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation. literally
"They broke ground on the new library last month."
2
To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements. figuratively
"The invention breaks ground in its programming and its structure."
3
To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed.
4
To separate from the ground on takeoff; to become airborne.

"They broke ground on the new library last month."