lay bare

To show something that was hidden, such as a secret, problem, or feeling.

• The report lays bare serious problems.
• Her letter laid bare her deepest fears.
• The trial has laid bare corruption at the highest levels.

How to use it: lay something bare (The investigation laid their lies bare.)

Similar words: reveal, expose, uncover

Opposites: hide, conceal

Common phrases: lay bare secrets, lay bare weaknesses, lay bare the truth

To remove what covers something, leaving its surface showing.

• The flood laid bare the roots.
• Strong winds laid the fields bare.
• Erosion has laid bare the rock beneath the soil.

How to use it: lay something bare (The wind laid the hillside bare.)

Similar words: uncover, strip, expose

Opposites: cover

Common phrases: lay bare roots, lay bare rock, lay bare skin