lay for (someone or something)

lay for (someone or something)

old-fashioned To await someone or something from a concealed position, especially to attack or accost them or it. The thief had been laying for us in the bushes outside our front door.See also: lay

lay something for someone or something

to prepare something (for a meal) for the benefit of someone or a group. She laid a lovely picnic for the two of them. Would you lay the table for dinner for our guests?See also: lay

lay for someone or something

to lie in wait for someone or something. The sheriff was laying for the outlaw. Bill was laying for me when I came out of the saloon.See also: lay

lay for

Be waiting to attack; also, lie in wait for, as in The gang members were laying for him in that dark alley, or The reporters were laying for the Vice President when he came out of the meeting. [Late 1400s] See also: lay

lay for

v. To be waiting to attack someone: Muggers were laying for the unsuspecting pedestrian in the dark alley.See also: lay