How to Pronounce "lay an egg"
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɛɡ
LAY-uh-n-EGG
lˈeɪ/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈɛɡ
LAY-un-EGG
Definition
Literally, it means for a bird or reptile to produce an egg. Informally, 'lay an egg' means to fail badly, especially in front of others, such as during a performance or presentation.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɛɡ
British English
lˈeɪ/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈɛɡ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LAY-uh-n-EGG
UK
LAY-un-EGG
Listen in Context
Chickens lay an egg almost every day.
The comedian laid an egg during his show last night.
Sometimes, a play can lay an egg if the script is bad.
He tried telling a joke but really laid an egg—no one laughed.