Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪ bɪhˈa͡ɪnd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "lay behind" is determined by its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /leɪ bɪˈhaɪnd/, with the stress on the second syllable of "behind." The "a" in "lay" is pronounced as "ay" and the "i" in "behind" is pronounced as "ih". The spelling of the word "lay" is derived from the verb "to lay" meaning to place or set something down, while "behind" refers to something located at the back or rear.
To lay behind is a phrasal verb that refers to being in a position further back or hidden from view. It is typically used to describe an object or person that is situated at a distance or obscured by something else. The term can also convey the notion of remaining or staying behind while others move forward or progress.
In a physical sense, lay behind indicates the location of an object or person that is not easily accessible or noticeable. For example, "The treasure chest lay behind a secret door in the old mansion." This implies that the chest was concealed or placed in a position away from sight, requiring effort or discovery to find it.
Metaphorically, lay behind can signify the idea of lingering in the background or being left out of immediate attention or progress. For instance, "John always felt like he laid behind his peers in terms of career advancement." Here, it implies that John perceived himself as lagging or not being at the same level as his colleagues in terms of professional growth.
Overall, the phrase lay behind describes the concept of something being situated in a more distant or concealed position, whether physically or metaphorically. It indicates the presence of something hidden or the idea of falling behind in relation to others.
The phrase "lay behind" can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. However, it is important to note that "lay behind" is not a specific word with a given etymology. Instead, it is a combination of the words "lay" and "behind", both of which have their own different origins.
1. "Lay": The word "lay" is derived from the Old English word "lecgan" meaning "to put down, to place". It is related to German "legen" and Dutch "leggen". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, and "lay" became the past tense of the verb "lie", meaning "to recline or be situated". For example, "I lay down on the couch" indicates that someone put themselves down horizontally.
