lay on
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on
Meanings
Place a duty or charge on someone
Why “on”? Weight piles on top of you. What is on you is yours to carry.
“Her new role laid extra duties on her.”
“The council laid a charge on the builder.”
Provide or supply something for an event
“They laid on a buffet.”
“The hotel laid on buses for guests.”
Don't confuse with
Lay on means place a duty or charge on someone. Lay out means spread or arrange items so they can be seen.
Test yourself
“Her new role laid extra duties on her.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
lay out
A contrast learners often mix up
Spread or arrange items so they can be seen
dump on
Same on pattern: burden
Unload an unwanted task onto someone
foist on
Same on pattern: burden
Impose something unwanted
heap on
Same on pattern: burden
Pour generously onto someone
impose on
Same on pattern: burden
Take advantage of someone's hospitality
load on
Same on pattern: burden
Burden with a great quantity
palm on
Same on pattern: burden
Pass off a chore to someone else
pile on
Same on pattern: burden
Add ever more onto someone
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