lay to rest: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lay to rest’ mean?
The idiom "lay to rest" means to finally resolve or put an end to something, especially a controversial or lingering issue, through a definitive action or decision.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation, especially if it may cause trouble or controversy. It suggests leaving things as they are, without disturbing or reigniting potential conflicts or problems.
The idiom "leave it be" means to not interfere or to let something remain as it is without trying to change or fix it.
The idiom "leave it at that" means to stop or conclude a discussion or action at a certain point and not continue any further.
The idiom "lay store by" means to attach importance or value to something. It implies that someone has high regard for or places great emphasis on a particular thing or idea.
The idiom "lay something at the feet of" means to hold someone responsible or blame someone for something. It implies the act of attributing a problem or fault to someone else.
The idiom "lay over" means to have a temporary stop or stay during a journey before continuing on to another destination.
The idiom "lay on" means to apply or administer something, usually in a forceful or excessive manner. It can also refer to providing or giving something, often in a generous or lavish way.
The idiom "lay off" means to stop doing or using something, to stop bothering someone, or to stop employing someone, usually due to a lack of work or financial issues.
The idiom "lay eggs" means to produce or create something, often used to describe the act of generating new ideas, inventions, or solutions.
The idiom "lay down the law" means to establish strict rules or regulations, or to assert authority and enforce compliance.
Spiritual Revelation
The idiom "lay to rest" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States. In its literal sense, "lay to rest" refers to the act of burying a deceased person. It is associated with funeral rites and signifies the final farewell to the departed individual.
Figuratively, "lay to rest" is used to put an end to or resolve a problem, issue, or concern. It suggests finding closure or bringing closure to a particular matter. This expression is often used when discussing the resolution of conflicts, disputes, or long-standing controversies.
The origins of "lay to rest" can be traced back to the Middle English period, where it was used to describe burying a deceased person. It is derived from the Old English word "lǣċan," which means "to bury" or "to put to rest."
The phrase gained figurative usage over time, likely due to the symbolic significance of burying the dead and the notion of bringing finality to something. It has become a commonly used idiom in contemporary English, with its meaning and usage well-established in both spoken and written language.
While the etymology of the phrase is rooted in burial rituals, the metaphorical extension of "lay to rest" has expanded its usage beyond the context of funerals. It is now commonly employed in various contexts to convey the idea of resolving an issue or putting an end to something.
"lay off" is another related idiom that is commonly used. It means to terminate someone's employment or to stop bothering someone. It is often used in the context of reducing staff or ending someone's involvement in a particular situation. For example, a company may lay off employees due to financial difficulties. In this sense, "lay off" signifies the ending of someone's job or role.
"lay on" is yet another related idiom that means to provide or supply something. It is often used in the context of organizing an event or offering a service. For example, if someone says, "We will lay on food and drinks for the party," it means they will provide food and drinks for the event. In this sense, "lay on" signifies the act of offering or providing something.
Overall, "lay to rest" is a versatile idiom that serves as a linguistic tool for communicating the act of burying the dead as well as finding closure or resolution in different situations. Its related idioms, "lay off" and "lay on," add further nuances to its usage and contribute to the richness of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "lay to rest" can be used in a sentence:
- The funeral service helped to lay to rest the grief that the family had been experiencing.
- After years of speculation, the archaeologists finally discovered the ancient city, laying to rest any doubts about its existence.
- By sharing her side of the story, she hoped to lay to rest any rumors or misunderstandings about her actions.
More "Death" idioms
