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general::
Phrase(s): lay something alongside ((of) something)
to place something next to something else, lengthwise. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) • Please lay the spoon alongside the knife. • Find the knife and lay the spoon alongside., Phrase(s): lay alongside something
[for a ship] to rest afloat next to something. • The ship lay alongside a lovely island while a shore party searched for fresh water. • Our ship lay alongside the narrow wooden pier.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs