15 Phrasal Verbs with the Word “Lay”

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, adding depth and versatility to our communication. They are formed by combining a verb with one or more prepositions or adverbs, creating new meanings and expressions. In this article, we will explore 15 phrasal verbs with the word “lay.” These phrasal verbs offer a wide range of uses and applications, allowing us to describe various actions and situations with precision. By understanding and incorporating these phrasal verbs into our vocabulary, we can enhance our language skills and express ourselves more effectively. So, let’s delve into the world of phrasal verbs and discover the different ways in which “lay” can be used to convey meaning and intention.

15 Phrasal Verbs with the Word Lay

1. Lay aside: to put something aside or set it aside for later use.
   Example: She laid aside some money for emergencies.
2. Lay down: to establish rules, principles, or guidelines.
   Example: The company laid down strict guidelines for employee conduct.
3. Lay off: to terminate someone’s employment, especially due to economic reasons or downsizing.
   Example: The company had to lay off several employees due to financial difficulties.
4. Lay out: to arrange or organize something, often referring to a plan, design, or layout.
   Example: The architect laid out the floor plan for the new building.
5. Lay up: to store or set aside something for future use.
   Example: She laid up supplies for the winter.
6. Lay into: to criticize or attack someone verbally or physically.
   Example: He laid into his opponent during the debate.
7. Lay on: to provide or supply something, often in abundance.
   Example: The host laid on a lavish feast for the guests.
8. Lay off: to take a break or rest from work or an activity.
   Example: I’m going to lay off studying for a while and relax.
9. Lay up: to be confined to bed or unable to work due to illness or injury.
   Example: He had to lay up for a week after the accident.
10. Lay down: to surrender or give up one’s weapons or defenses.
    Example: The soldiers were ordered to lay down their arms.
11. Lay off: to stop using or consuming something, especially temporarily.
    Example: He decided to lay off junk food and start eating healthier.
12. Lay on: to apply or spread a substance onto a surface.
    Example: She laid on a coat of paint to freshen up the walls.
13. Lay in: to stock up or acquire a large supply of something.
    Example: They laid in a good supply of food before the storm.
14. Lay off: to reduce or decrease the intensity or frequency of something.
    Example: You should lay off the caffeine to improve your sleep.
15. Lay about: to strike or attack someone or something with great force.
    Example: The boxer laid about his opponent with a series of powerful punches.

15 examples with the phrasal verbs mentioned

1. Lay aside:
   • She laid aside some money for her vacation.
   • He laid aside his worries and enjoyed the evening.
2. Lay down:
   • The teacher laid down the rules for the classroom.
   • The company laid down strict safety guidelines.
3. Lay off:
   • The company had to lay off 100 workers due to budget cuts.
   • They decided to lay off the new hires first.
4. Lay out:
   • The designer laid out the plans for the new website.
   • She laid out her clothes for the next day.
5. Lay up:
   • He laid up some snacks for the movie marathon.
   • We laid up firewood for the winter.
6. Lay into:
   • She laid into him for forgetting their anniversary.
   • The coach laid into the team after their poor performance.
7. Lay on:
   • The hotel laid on a complimentary breakfast for the guests.
   • They laid on a fantastic fireworks display for the celebration.
8. Lay off:
   • After a long day, he decided to lay off work and relax.
   • I need to lay off exercising for a few days to recover from an injury.
9. Lay up:
   • She laid up in bed with the flu for a week.
   • The injury laid him up for months.
10. Lay down:
    • The rebels were forced to lay down their weapons.
    • The police ordered the suspect to lay down on the ground.
11. Lay off:
    • I’m trying to lose weight, so I need to lay off desserts.
    • He decided to lay off social media for a while to focus on his studies.
12. Lay on:
    • The chef laid on a delicious spread of gourmet dishes.
    • They laid on transportation for all the conference attendees.
13. Lay in:
    • They laid in a supply of groceries before the storm hit.
    • She laid in a collection of books for her summer reading.
14. Lay off:
    • If you want to improve your health, you should lay off smoking.
    • The doctor advised him to lay off heavy lifting until his back healed.
15. Lay about:
    • The angry mob laid about the statue with sledgehammers.
    • The pirate captain laid about his enemies with a cutlass.