1
general::
Phrase(s): lay (oneself) down
to lie down. • Just lay yourself down there and try to sleep. • I’ll lay myself down here for just a few minutes., Phrase(s): lay down
to give up. • Do you expect me to just lay down? • You really think I should just lay down and let them walk all over me?, Phrase(s): lay something down (on something)
to place something down on something. • Lay the plates down on the table gently. • Please lay down your book and listen to me., Phrase(s): lay someone down
to ease someone into a reclining position; to ease someone into bed. • The baby woke up when I tried to lay him down. • The nurse laid the disturbed patient down time and time again.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Give something up, surrender, as in They laid down their arms. [c. 1300] 2. Formulate, specify, as in The club laid down new membership rules. [Late 1400s] 3. Also, lay down one's life. Sacrifice one's life, as in He would willingly lay down his life for his children. [c. 1600] 4. Store for the future, as in It was a great vintage year for burgundy, and Mark laid down several cases. [Early 1800s] Also see LAY ASIDE, def. 2.
American Heritage Idioms