lay down the marker

lay a finger on

To merely touch.

lay an anchor to the windward

To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.

lay an egg

To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.

lay at someone's door

To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).

lay by the heels

To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.

lay down the law

To authoritatively or dogmatically assert what is permitted or not permitted.

lay eggs

To produce a string of failures or flops.

lay eyes on

To see; look at; glimpse.