L
Idioms beginning with "L"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of L:
[lay in] {v.}
To store up a supply of; to get and keep for future use.
Mrs. Mason heard that the price of sugar might go up, so she laid in a hundred pounds of it.
* /Before school starts, the principal will lay in plenty of paper for the […]
[lay into] or [light into] {v.}, {informal}
1. To attack physically; go at vigorously.
The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang.
John loves Italian food and he really laid into the spaghetti.
Syn.: [PITCH INTO], [SAIL […]
[lay it on] or [lay it on thick]
also [put it on thick] or [spread it on thick] or [lay it on with a trowel]
{v. phr.}, {informal}
To persuade someone by using very much flattery; flatter.
* /Bob wanted to go to the movies. He laid it on thick to his […]
[lay low] {v.}
1. To knock down; to force into a lying position; to put out of action.
Many trees were laid low by the storm.
Jane was laid low by the flu.
2. To kill.
The hunters laid low seven pheasants.
3. See: [LIE LOW].
[layoff] {n.}
A systematic or periodical dismissal of employees from a factory or a firm.
Due to the poor economy, the car manufacturer announced a major layoff starting next month.
[lay off] {v. phr.}
1. To mark out the boundaries or limits.
He laid off a baseball diamond on the vacant lot.
Compare: [LAY OUT] (5).
2. To put out of work.
The company lost the contract for making the shoes and laid off half its workers.
[…]
[lay of the land] also [how the land lies] {n. phr.}
1. The natural features of a piece of land, such as hills and valleys.
The style of house the contractor builds depends partly on the lay of the land.
2. The way something is arranged; the […]
[lay on] {v.}
1. To spread on or over a surface; apply.
He told us that we should lay on a second coat of paint for better protection against the weather.
2. To beat; to strike.
* /Little John seized a staff and began to lay on with great […]
[lay one's cards on the table] or [lay down one's cards] or [put one's cards on the table] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To let someone know your position and interest openly; deal honestly; act without trickery or secrets.
* /In talking about buying the […]