lay out (something)

1. to arrange something.

First the pictures are approved by the editor, then the designer lays them out on pages.

2. to plan or explain something very carefully and in great detail.

Plans for the ceremony were laid out so well that everyone knew what they were to do.

Let's review the points one more time before we lay them out for the press.

3. to spend money.

I can't believe he laid out $100 for flowers and $150 for two bottles of wine!

Usage notes: often the amount of money seems like too much

• the cards are stacked against someone
• the cart before the horse
• the casting couch
• the center of attention
• the change of life
• the chattering classes
• the child from hell
• the [child/house/mother, etc.] from hell
• the chosen few
• the coast is clear
• the cock of the walk
• the comings and goings
• the common touch
• the conventional wisdom
• the corridors of power
• the cream of the crop
• the curtain comes down on
• the curtain comes down on something
• the curtain falls
• the curtain falls on
• the curtain falls on something
• the cut and thrust of
• the cut and thrust of something
• the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
• the day of reckoning