Lay on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
LAY-awn, LAY-ahn
lˈeɪ/ /ˈɒn
LAY-on
Definition
To provide or organize something, usually in a social or official situation; also, to exaggerate or use flattery heavily.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and conversational. Often used for food, drinks, or services at events ('lay on a buffet'). In another sense, used for exaggerating praise or stories ('lay it on thick'). Context determines whether it means to provide or to flatter/exaggerate.
Spanish: servir - proporcionar - exagerarPortuguese (BR): oferecer - proporcionar - exagerarPortuguese (PT): fornecer - proporcionar - exagerarChinese (Simplified): 提供 - 夸张Chinese (Traditional): 提供 - 誇張Hindi: प्रदान करना - ज़्यादा दिखानाArabic: يقدّم - يبالغBengali: আয়োজন করা - বাড়িয়ে বলাRussian: организовать - преувеличивать - льститьJapanese: 用意する - 大げさに言う - お世辞を言うVietnamese: chuẩn bị - phóng đại - nịnh nọtKorean: 준비하다 - 과장하다 - 아첨하다Turkish: sağlamak - abartmak - pohpohlamakUrdu: اہتمام کرنا - مبالغہ کرنا - چاپلوسی کرناIndonesian: chuẩn bị - phóng đại - nịnh nọt
Example Sentences
They laid on extra buses for the festival.
basic
The hotel laid on a big breakfast for the guests.
basic
He laid on the compliments at the meeting.
basic
They really laid on the hospitality at the party last night.
natural
She loves to lay on the drama whenever something goes wrong.
natural
You don’t have to lay it on so thick—I get the message!
natural