What does “Lay to rest” mean?

When we hear the phrase “lay to rest,” it often conjures up images of funerals or burials. But what does this phrase actually mean, and how is it used in everyday contexts? In this article, we will explore the many nuances of “lay to rest,” including its definition, usage, and common idiomatic expressions.

Definition of “Lay to rest”

At its most literal level, “lay to rest” means to bury someone who has died. This sense of the phrase is often associated with funerals and other rituals surrounding death. However, “lay to rest” can also be used more figuratively to mean putting something to rest or ending it once and for all. For example, you might say that a long-standing argument between two friends has finally been laid to rest.

Using “Lay to rest” in a sentence

One of the simplest ways to use “lay to rest” in a sentence is to describe a funeral or burial. For example:

1. We gathered together to lay our beloved grandmother to rest.
2. The soldiers were laid to rest with full military honors.
3. She requested that her ashes be laid to rest beside her husband’s grave.

But “lay to rest” can also be used in a more abstract sense, as in these examples:

4. After years of speculation, the true cause of his death was finally laid to rest.
5. He hoped that quitting his job would lay to rest the feelings of stress and anxiety he had been experiencing.
6. They decided to lay their grievances to rest and move on from the disagreement.

Idiomatic expressions using “Lay to rest”

Like many phrases in English, “lay to rest” has several idiomatic expressions that are commonly used in conversation. Here are ten examples:

1. Lay it to rest: To put an end to something once and for all. Example: “I think it’s time we lay this issue to rest.”
2. Lay the ghost to rest: To finally come to terms with a past trauma or fear. Example: “He needed to lay the ghost of his childhood abuse to rest before he could move on with his life.”
3. Lay the matter to rest: To resolve a dispute or uncertainty. Example: “We need to gather more evidence to lay this matter to rest.”
4. Lay one’s cards on the table: To be honest and straightforward about one’s intentions or feelings. Example: “I’m going to lay my cards on the table and tell her how I feel.”
5. Lay the groundwork: To establish a foundation or prepare for future actions. Example: “We need to lay the groundwork before we can launch our new product.”
6. Lay low: To stay out of sight or avoid drawing attention to oneself. Example: “I’m going to lay low until the controversy dies down.”
7. Lay on the line: To be honest and upfront, even if it means taking a risk. Example: “I decided to lay it on the line and tell him the truth.”
8. Lay waste: To destroy or ruin completely. Example: “The fire laid waste to an entire neighborhood.”
9. Lay claim: To assert ownership or stake a claim. Example: “He tried to lay claim to the land, but it was already owned by someone else.”
10. Lay siege to: To surround or besiege a place or person. Example: “The army laid siege to the castle, hoping to starve out the defenders.”

Conclusion

“Lay to rest” is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts, from funerals to arguments to abstract concepts. By exploring its many meanings and idiomatic expressions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex language of English.