lay down

To clearly and firmly state rules, conditions, or requirements that others must follow.

• We need to lay down some rules.
• The contract lays down strict safety requirements.
• Who laid down these conditions?

How to use it: lay down that… (The rules lay down that every visitor must sign in.)

Similar words: set, establish, stipulate

Common phrases: lay down rules, lay down conditions

To stop fighting and give up a weapon, usually by putting it on the ground.

• Lay down your gun.
• The soldiers laid down their arms.
• Will the rebels lay down their weapons?

How to use it: lay down your arms/weapons (They agreed to lay down their arms.)

Similar words: surrender, give up

Common phrases: lay down arms, lay down a weapon

To put or install something on the ground or another surface.

• Lay down a mat by the door.
• Workers laid down new railway tracks.
• They are laying down fresh asphalt outside our house.

How to use it: lay something down (She laid the mat down beside the bath.)

Similar words: lay, put down, install

Opposites: remove

Common phrases: lay down tracks, lay down a mat

To move your body into a flat resting position on a bed or other surface.

• I need to lay down.
• She went to lay down on the couch.
• Lay down for a while if you feel dizzy.

How to use it: lay down on something (I am going to lay down on the sofa.)

Similar words: lie down

Opposites: get up

Common phrases: lay down and rest, lay down on something

To store something, especially wine, so it can be used or enjoyed later.

• They lay down wine each autumn.
• He laid down several bottles for his daughter’s wedding.
• Which wines should we lay down for ten years?

How to use it: lay something down (We laid several bottles down for next year.)

Similar words: store, put aside

Common phrases: lay down wine, lay down bottles

To deliberately fall sideways with a motorcycle to try to avoid a worse crash.

• He laid down his bike.
• She laid the motorcycle down to avoid the truck.
• The rider chose to lay down his bike before the collision.

How to use it: lay a motorcycle down (The rider laid his motorcycle down on the road.)

Common phrases: lay down a motorcycle, lay down a bike