lay away
To put something away to use later; or (in American shops) to ask the shop to keep something for you while you pay for it bit by bit.
Meanings
To store something safely away for use at a later time.
"She laid away the old letters in a box at the back of the cupboard."
(US retail) To reserve an item in a store by paying a deposit, collecting it when the full price is paid.
"She laid away a bicycle at the toy store two months before Christmas."
The retail 'layaway' system is specifically American English (and the noun 'layaway' or 'lay-away plan' is common in US retail). In British English, the equivalent is 'hire purchase' or 'put something by'. The general 'store away' sense exists in both varieties.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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