释义 |
lay off transitive verb 1. : to mark or measure off; specifically : to draw on the mold-loft floor to full dimensions the lines or outlines of (a ship and its members) 2. : to steer (a ship) away from the shore or from a pier or another ship 3. a. of a bookmaker : to place all or part of (a bet accepted) with another bookmaker in order to reduce the risk b. : to subscribe to or cause subscriptions to be made to (a new issue of securities offered to a corporation's stockholders) so as to reduce the liability of the issue's underwriters 4. : to distribute (a coat of paint) evenly 5. Midland : plan, intend < laid off to go to town the next day > 6. a. : to halt or suspend operation of (as a mill or factory) b. : to cease to employ (a worker) usually temporarily because of slack in production and without prejudice to the worker — usually distinguished from fire 7. : to add (a card or cards) in rummy to sets already melded 8. a. : to refrain or cease from pursuing or annoying : let alone < if you'll lay off me I'll promise not to do it again > b. : avoid, shun, quit < advised to lay off smoking and alcohol > intransitive verb 1. : to lie off 2. a. : to stop work < time to lay off > b. : to take time off or a rest from working < lays off a couple of days each month > or activity < weekends he just likes to lay off > |