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Phrasal verbs starting with "lay"

20 phrasal verbs use this verb

lay about
C1

To strike out vigorously in all directions, hitting people or things around you.

lay aside
B2

To put something down or stop using it, either temporarily or permanently; to save something for later; or to deliberately stop thinking abo

lay away
B2

To store or reserve something for future use; specifically (American English) to reserve a product in a store with a deposit, paying the res

lay back
B1

To recline or lean backwards into a resting position; or to relax and not apply effort.

lay behind
C1

To be the underlying cause, reason, or motivation for something. (Note: 'lie behind' is the more standard form.)

lay by
B2

To save or put money aside for future use; (British retail) to reserve goods in a shop while paying in instalments; also a noun: a roadside

lay down
B1

To place something flat, to establish rules or principles, or (informal) to recline.

lay down on
B1

To recline or rest one's body on a surface.

lay for
C1

To hide and wait in ambush for someone, usually with hostile or mischievous intent.

lay in
B2

To buy and store a supply of something in advance, especially food or fuel.

lay into
B2

To attack someone physically or to criticise them very harshly.

lay it on
B2

To exaggerate praise, flattery, or emotion beyond what is genuine or necessary.

lay off
B1

To dismiss workers due to lack of work, or to stop doing or bothering with something.

lay on
B2

To provide or arrange something for others, often food, transport, or entertainment.

lay one down
C1

A colloquial expression meaning to produce or deliver something, most commonly used as a euphemism for flatulence or for recording a music t

lay out
B1

To arrange or display things in an organised way, to explain something clearly, or to knock someone unconscious.

lay over
B2

To stop somewhere temporarily during a journey before continuing to the final destination.

lay to
C1

A nautical term meaning to bring a ship to a stop or near-stop, or to attribute something to a particular cause.

lay up
B2

To be forced to stay in bed due to illness or injury, or to store a vehicle or vessel when not in use.

lay up with
B2

To be confined to bed or forced to rest because of a specific illness or injury.