lay out

To spread things over a surface in a clear or useful arrangement.

• Lay out the plates on the table.
• She laid her clothes out before bed.
• The shopkeeper is laying out fresh fruit.

How to use it: lay something out (She laid the cards out on the table.); lay out something on something (He laid out his tools on a cloth.)

Similar words: arrange, spread out, display

Opposites: gather

Common phrases: lay out clothes, lay out something, lay out tools

To explain information or ideas clearly, with the important details.

• Let me lay out the facts.
• He laid out his reasons for leaving.
• The report lays out what we need to do.

How to use it: lay out something for someone (She laid out the options for us.); lay something out (Let me lay it out clearly.)

Similar words: explain, set out, spell out

Common phrases: lay out facts, lay out something

To plan how something will be arranged or made.

• She will lay out the garden.
• We laid out the website to make reading easier.
• Who is laying out the new office?

How to use it: lay out something (The architect laid out the rooms around a central courtyard.)

Similar words: design, plan

Common phrases: lay out something, lay out gardens

To pay money for something, especially a large amount.

• We had to lay out fifty pounds.
• She laid out her savings on new equipment.
• How much will you lay out for the trip?

How to use it: lay out something on/for something (We laid out a lot of money on repairs.)

Similar words: spend, pay out

Common phrases: lay out money, lay out cash

To hit someone so hard that they fall, lose consciousness, or die.

• That punch could lay out anyone.
• He laid his opponent out with one blow.
• The gunshot laid him out before he could escape.

How to use it: lay someone out (One punch laid the attacker out.)

Similar words: knock out, knock down

Common phrases: lay out someone, lay out opponents

To wash, dress, and arrange a dead person’s body before burial.

• They will lay out the body tonight.
• Her family asked for her to be laid out at home.
• The undertaker laid him out in his best suit.

How to use it: lay someone out (The undertaker laid him out before the funeral.)

Similar words: prepare for burial

Common phrases: lay out someone, lay out bodies