LAY DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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Lay down is a phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
1. To place or position something flatly or horizontally: This usage is most commonly associated with physically laying objects down on a surface. For example, "She lay down the book on the table."
2. To establish a rule, law, or principle: This usage often refers to formally declaring or setting something as a standard or guideline. For instance, "The government decided to lay down stricter regulations for the industry."
3. To surrender or submit: This meaning is often associated with giving up power, rights, or authority. It can be used in situations where one person or group willingly relinquishes control or dominance. For example, "The CEO decided to lay down his position and retire."
4. To make a statement or provide information: This usage often refers to verbalizing or recording of facts, instructions, or guidelines. For instance, "The teacher laid down the rules for the classroom."
5. To rest or recline: This meaning is associated with lying down, usually in a relaxed or resting position. It can be used when someone takes a break or lies down to relax or sleep. For example, "After a long day at work, she decided to lay down on the couch."
In summary, lay down is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple interpretations, ranging from physical actions to establishing rules or surrendering authority. The context in which it is used determines its specific meaning.
Common Misspellings for LAY DOWN
- kay down
- pay down
- oay down
- lzy down
- lsy down
- lwy down
- lqy down
- lat down
- lah down
- lau down
- la7 down
- la6 down
- lay sown
- lay xown
- lay cown
- lay fown
- lay rown
- lay eown
- lay diwn
Etymology of LAY DOWN
The word "lay down" has its etymology rooted in Old English.
The verb "lay" can be traced back to the Old English word "lecgan", which meant "to place" or "to put". It derived from the Germanic word "lagjan", which had a similar meaning. Over time, the verb "lay" developed into its present form, indicating an action of putting something in a flat or horizontal position. When combined with the preposition "down", it forms the phrase "lay down", which means to put or place something in a reclining or resting position. This usage dates back to at least the 14th century.
Idioms with the word LAY DOWN
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lay down the law
The idiom "lay down the law" typically means to assert one's authority or establish firm rules or expectations. It refers to the act of setting strict guidelines or making authoritative statements in order to enforce compliance or control a situation.
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lay down your life for sth
The idiom "lay down your life for something" means to make the ultimate sacrifice or willingly give up one's life for a specific cause, belief, or person. It indicates a willingness to endure or face extreme danger, hardship, or death in order to protect or preserve something of great value.
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lay down arms
The idiom "lay down arms" refers to the act of stopping fighting or surrendering in a conflict or war. It implies peacefully putting down weapons or renouncing violence.
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lay down life
The idiom "lay down life" refers to sacrificing or giving up one's life for a cause, duty, or belief. It signifies a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice and put one's own life at stake.
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lay down sth
The idiom "lay down sth" typically refers to establishing or setting a rule, guideline, condition, or requirement. It means to formally establish or specify something, often in a authoritative or assertive manner.
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lay down your arms
The idiom "lay down your arms" means to willingly surrender, give up, or cease fighting, usually in a conflict or dispute. It signifies a decision to stop using violence or force and seek peace or resolution instead.
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lay down and die
The idiom "lay down and die" is used to describe a state of extreme resignation or defeat, meaning to give up or succumb to a difficult or hopeless situation without putting up a fight or making any effort to overcome it.
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lay down on the job
The idiom "lay down on the job" means to neglect or fail to carry out one's responsibilities or perform their duties in a lazy or careless manner. It refers to someone who is not putting in the necessary effort or dedication required for a task or job.
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lay down (one's) arms
The idiom "lay down (one's) arms" refers to the act of stopping a fight or conflict, by putting down or surrendering one's weapons or ending one's opposition. It often implies a willingness to negotiate or seek peace.
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lay down (one's) life
The idiom "lay down (one's) life" means sacrificing oneself or willingly facing death for a cause or another person's well-being. It refers to the act of giving up one's own life with bravery, selflessness, or devotion. This idiom can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
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lay down the marker
To "lay down the marker" is an idiom that means to establish a clear standard or boundary, typically in terms of expectations or requirements for a particular situation or relationship. It implies setting a definitive point that others are expected to adhere to or follow.
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lay down your life
The idiom "lay down your life" means sacrificing oneself, usually in a heroic or selfless manner, for a cause, belief, or another person's well-being. It refers to the act of giving up one's own life or putting oneself in extreme danger without hesitating.
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lay down the law (to someone) (about something)
The idiom "lay down the law (to someone) (about something)" means to assert one's authority or establish strict rules or expectations for someone regarding a specific matter. It implies issuing strong commands, setting firm boundaries, or making it clear what is expected from the other person. It is often used when someone wants to establish control or discipline in a situation.
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lay down the law (to sm) (about sth)
The idiom "lay down the law (to someone) (about something)" means to firmly establish or communicate rules, regulations, or expectations to someone in a authoritative and uncompromising manner. It implies speaking assertively and authoritatively, typically in a disciplinary context, to ensure compliance or adherence to certain standards.
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lay down
The idiom "lay down" means to establish a rule, principle, or standard that others must follow or adhere to.
Similar spelling word for LAY DOWN
Conjugate verb Lay down
CONDITIONAL
I
would lay down
you
would lay down
he/she/it
would lay down
we
would lay down
they
would lay down
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be laying down
you
would be laying down
he/she/it
would be laying down
we
would be laying down
they
would be laying down
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have lay down
you
would have lay down
he/she/it
would have lay down
we
would have lay down
they
would have lay down
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been laying down
you
would have been laying down
he/she/it
would have been laying down
we
would have been laying down
they
would have been laying down
FUTURE
I
will lay down
you
will lay down
he/she/it
will lay down
we
will lay down
they
will lay down
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be laying down
you
will be laying down
he/she/it
will be laying down
we
will be laying down
they
will be laying down
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have laid down
you
will have laid down
he/she/it
will have laid down
we
will have laid down
they
will have laid down
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been laying down
you
will have been laying down
he/she/it
will have been laying down
we
will have been laying down
they
will have been laying down
IMPERATIVE
you
lay down
we
let´s lay down
to lay down
PAST
I
laid down
you
laid down
he/she/it
laid down
we
laid down
they
laid down
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was laying down
you
were laying down
he/she/it
was laying down
we
were laying down
they
were laying down
PAST PARTICIPLE
laid down
PAST PERFECT
I
had laid down
you
had laid down
he/she/it
had laid down
we
had laid down
they
had laid down
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been laying down
you
had been laying down
he/she/it
had been laying down
we
had been laying down
they
had been laying down
PRESENT
I
lay down
you
lay down
he/she/it
lays down
we
lay down
they
lay down
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am laying down
you
are laying down
he/she/it
is laying down
we
are laying down
they
are laying down
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
laying down
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have laid down
you
have laid down
he/she/it
has laid down
we
have laid down
they
have laid down
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been laying down
you
have been laying down
he/she/it
has been laying down
we
have been laying down
they
have been laying down
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