lay a ghost

lay the ghost of (something) to rest

To do something that finally eliminates one's long-held fears, worries, or distress about something that happened in the past. New DNA evidence in the decades-old investigation finally laid the ghost of these accusations to rest for Mr. Jones. It wasn't until I got my new job that I could finally lay the ghost of my departure from the bureau to rest.

See also: ghost, lay, of, rest, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lay a (or the) ghost

get rid of a distressing, frightening, or worrying memory or thought.

The image here is of exorcizing an unquiet or evil spirit.

See also: ghost, lay

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017