This is the basic past form of lay and refers to putting an object horizontally or into a chosen position.
She laid the book on the table.
Workers laid the pipes underground.
This meaning refers to arranging objects, plans, foundations, or preparations in an organized way.
They laid the table for dinner.
The team laid plans for the next stage.
This biological meaning refers to a bird, reptile, insect, fish, or other animal producing and depositing eggs.
The hen laid three eggs.
The turtle laid its eggs in the sand.
This figurative meaning refers to establishing rules, foundations, responsibilities, emphasis, or requirements.
The agreement laid the foundation for cooperation.
The court laid strict conditions on the company.
This use appears in expressions such as laid flat or laid low and refers to knocking down, weakening, or disabling.
The storm laid the crops flat.
Illness laid him low for several weeks.
Used mainly in the expression get laid, this informal meaning refers to having sexual intercourse.
The comedy focuses on a character desperate to get laid.
He bragged that he had gotten laid.
