The company had to lay off many workers last month.
lay off
idiom(of an employer) To dismiss (workers) from employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume or through no fault of the worker, often with a severance package.
Because the factory lost its biggest client, the manager had to lay off half of the staff.
Facing a sharp decline in revenue, the board of directors reluctantly decided to lay off a significant portion of the workforce to keep the company solvent.
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a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.
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lay a finger on
To merely touch.
- 05
lay an anchor to the windward
To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.
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lay an egg
To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.
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lay at someone's door
To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).
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lay by the heels
To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
Last updated April 17, 2026