lay down one's arms lay down one's arms {v. phr.} To cease fighting; surrender. The Civil War ended when the Confederate army finally laid down its arms. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: L Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss