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lay off

say it: LAY·awf

to dismiss workers

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (phrasal verb) to stop doing something, especially something annoying or harmful

2. (phrasal verb) to dismiss workers from a job, usually temporarily or because there is not enough work

3. (phrasal verb) to leave someone alone or stop bothering them

Examples

• 1. Please lay off the criticism—you're hurting my feelings.
• 2. The company had to lay off 200 employees due to the economic downturn.
• 3. The bullies finally laid off him after he stood up to them.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

iron out, keep up with, kick off, look after, look forward to, look into