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Phrase Meanings » lay out
What does "lay out" mean?
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Make a detailed plan, design, or explanation, as in They laid out the exact dimensions in order to construct the new display, or Robert laid out next year's plans for his staff. [Mid-1700s]
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Prepare a dead body for burial, as in He died that morning and was laid out for the wake by afternoon. [Late 1500s]
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Rebuke harshly, as in She laid me out for breaking the vase. [Slang; late 1800s]
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Knock unconscious or to the ground, render helpless, as in He laid him out with one good punch. [Late 1800s]
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Expend, spend, as in She laid out a fortune on jewelry. [Mid-1400s]
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Display or arrange, especially in a particular order, as in He asked her to lay out the merchandise in an attractive way. [Mid-1400s]
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