lay out
Spread things out neatly so you can see them, or explain something step by step.
Meanings
To arrange objects flat on a surface in an organised or visible way.
"She laid out all the documents on the table before the meeting started."
To explain or present information clearly and in an organised manner.
"The report lays out the government's strategy for reducing carbon emissions."
"Let me lay out for the American people what we propose."
— Barack Obama, address to Congress, February 2009
To spend a large sum of money.
"They laid out a fortune on the wedding decorations."
To knock someone unconscious with a blow.
"One punch was enough to lay his opponent out flat."
Very versatile phrasal verb. The 'arrange' and 'explain' senses are the most common and neutral. The 'spend money' sense is informal American English. The 'knock unconscious' sense is informal. 'Layout' (noun) comes from this verb and refers to the arrangement or design of something.
Commonly used with
Forms
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