ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lay on

idiom
Meaning

To provide (food or drinks) for free.


Examples
SIMPLE

The company will lay on free lunch for everyone.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel decided to lay on a complimentary buffet for all the guests attending the conference.

COMPLEX

In an effort to impress the potential investors, the startup chose to lay on an elaborate spread of gourmet appetizers and fine wine.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a wild goose never laid a tame egg

    Most things are inherited and predetermined.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

    To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.

  4. 04

    lay a finger on

    To merely touch.

  5. 05

    lay an anchor to the windward

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

  6. 06

    lay an egg

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

  7. 07

    lay at someone's door

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

  8. 08

    lay by the heels

    To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.

Last updated April 17, 2026