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on solid ground

on solid ground

2 3.9
Feeling safe and confident after a time of doubt or worry
  • idiom
translation icon : en terreno firme
  • What am I taking a stand for, and am I on solid ground?
  • back on solid ground
  • stand on solid ground

I mean, use it in a creative sense if you can, but use that to find your way to be able to stand on solid ground.

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Examples

  • This will help you stand on solid ground for the next time you are going to make a big or small change in your life, relationship, or career.

    Blog text (8)
  • Start your marriage on solid ground...

  • We're on solid ground here.

  • Oh, it was grand to stand on solid ground again.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • We need to see that trend reverse and get back on solid ground.

    Blog text (18)
  • "It does seem that we are on solid ground for a recovery, or at least no more continued depreciation in home prices in most markets," says Pressman.

    Blog text (27)
  • Simply saying, "This is a myth," washes all of that under the bridge and reassures us that our view of the world is on solid ground.

    Blog text (27)
  • After months of debate, the team finally feels on solid ground with their project plan.

  • Now that she has a stable job, she feels on solid ground in her life.

  • With the new funding secured, the organization is on solid ground for future growth.

Synonyms

steady
vson solid ground
186 1.3

Firm and unlikely to be moved or upset

focuses on feeling secure after uncertainty rather than general firmness
secure
vson solid ground
117 3.6

Feeling confident and free from worry or doubt

highlights becoming confident and stable after earlier uncertainty rather than just calm
on keel
vson solid ground
1 8.2

In a stable state after problems

emphasises regained confidence and stability after a prior uncertain period

Antonyms

296 4.0

Not being sure about what will happen or what to do

How Secure

stable
473 2.3
on solid ground
2 3.9
secure
117 3.6
uneasy
98 3.2
uncertain
43 3.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

on + solid + ground

The phrase combines 'on' (location) + 'solid' (stable, dependable) + 'ground' (foundation), so the meaning 'secure or stable situation' is directly inferable from the constituents. This locative+metaphorical composition is cross-linguistically common and follows predictable semantic mapping, so a B1 learner who knows the words should understand it.

Etymology

On solid ground comes from the picture of standing with your feet on firm earth: solid ground does not move or sink. So, saying someone is on solid ground means they feel 'safe and confident'.