lay down

phr.v. to state officially what the rules or laws are.

phr.v. to specify, institute, or state authoritatively a set of rules, policies, or principles.

“The company handbook lays down strict rules about using social media at work.”

“The international treaty lays down the conditions under which humanitarian aid must be distributed during a conflict.”

phr.v. to stop fighting and give up your weapons.

phr.v. to give up, surrender, or yield weapons, typically by placing them on the ground.

“The soldiers were ordered to lay down their arms and surrender.”

“After weeks of negotiation, the rebel forces finally agreed to lay down their weapons in exchange for a full pardon.”

phr.v. to put something in place on the ground, like a floor or tracks.

phr.v. to install or place something permanently on a surface, such as railway tracks or flooring.

“The workers began to lay down the new tracks for the high-speed train.”

“The contractor spent the morning laying down the foundation for the new extension before the rain started.”

phr.v. to store something, especially wine, so it can be used in the future.

phr.v. to store or stock items, particularly wine, for future consumption or maturation.

“He decided to lay down several cases of fine wine for his daughter's wedding.”

“Serious collectors often lay down vintage ports for decades, allowing the complex flavours to develop fully in the cellar.”

Formal

phr.v. to give up your life for a person or a cause.

phr.v. to sacrifice one's life for a specific purpose or belief.

“He was willing to lay down his life for his country.”

“The monument commemorates those who were prepared to lay down their lives in the pursuit of national independence.”

Literary

phr.v. to kill an animal in a kind way because it is very sick.

phr.v. to euthanize an animal, typically for medical or compassionate reasons.

“The vet advised us that it was time to lay down our old dog.”

“The decision to lay down a horse after a severe leg fracture is often the most humane course of action available to a veterinarian.”

Technical