- Exploratory - First round: a nip, merrily - First-round - Groundwork - Introductory - Preface featured incorrect primary line - Introductory; previous; preceding the main discourse
or business; prefatory; as, preliminary observations to a discourse or
book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures;
preliminary examinations.
- Getting ready - Groundwork - Medicinal compound - Planning - Practice, training - Readiness - The act of preparing or fitting beforehand for a
particular purpose, use, service, or condition; previous arrangement or
adaptation; a making ready; as, the preparation of land for a crop of
wheat; the preparation of troops for a campaign.
- background - Cornerstone - Foundation - Groundwork - Headquarters is said to be a cornerstone - The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. - The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue.