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 oldest profession in the world
• the oldest trick in the book
• the old guard
• the old school tie
• the only game in town
• the operative word
• the order of the day
• the other day
• the other side of the coin
• the other side of the tracks
• the pants off
• the pants off someone
• the parting of the ways
• the party is over
• the path of least resistance
• the patience of a saint
• the patience of Job
• the patter of tiny feet
• the pearly gates
• the pedal to the metal
• the pen is mightier than the sword.
• the penny drops
• the person in the street
• the pick of
• the pick of something