Phrasal verb
lay off
Meanings
To stop employing someone because there is not enough work or money.
To stop doing something or to do it less, especially because it is annoying or unhealthy.
(Informal) Used to tell someone to stop bothering or criticizing someone.
Definition
To lay off means to stop doing something for a while or to stop employing workers because a company does not need them.
Lay off is a phrasal verb commonly used in two everyday ways. It can mean to stop doing something, especially something annoying or excessive. It can also mean to end workers’ jobs because a business has less work or needs to cut costs.
Examples
- The factory had to lay off dozens of workers after orders dropped.
- I’m trying to lay off coffee this week so I can sleep better.
- Could you lay off my little brother and give him a chance to explain?
- They had to lay off staff when the project was canceled.
- She decided to lay off social media during exams.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse lay off (stop employing or stop doing something) with take off (remove or depart).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.