L

[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 it on the line]

See: [LAY ON THE LINE] (2).

[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].

[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 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 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 on the line] or [put on the line]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. To pay or offer to pay.

The sponsors had to lay nearly a million dollars on the line to keep the show on TV.

* /The bank is putting $5,000 on the line as a reward to anyone who  […]

[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  […]

[lay one's finger on]

See: [PUT ONE'S FINGER ON].