lap (redirected from lapped)

fall into one's lap

Fig. [for something of great value or usefulness] to be given or granted to someone without having been requested. Some valuable antique jewelry just fell into his lap. His late mother had kept it hidden for years.

See also: fall

in the lap of luxury

Cliché in luxurious surroundings. John lives in the lap of luxury because his family is very wealthy. When I retire, I'd like to live in the lap of luxury.

See also: luxury

lap (up) against something

[for waves] to splash gently against something. The waves lapped up against the shore softly. The waves lapped against the side of the boat all night long, and I couldn't sleep.

See also: against

lap something up 

1. Lit. [for an animal] to lick something up. The dog lapped the ice cream up off the floor. The dog lapped up the ice cream.

2. Fig. [for someone] to accept or believe something with enthusiasm. Of course, they believed it. They just lapped it up. They lapped up the lies without questioning anything.

See also: up

lap of luxury

Fig. a luxurious situation. I rather enjoy living in the lap of luxury. You call this pigpen the lap of luxury?

See also: luxury

lap over (something)

[for something] to extend or project over the edge or boundary of something. The lid lapped over the edge of the barrel, forming a little table. The blanket did not lap over enough to keep me warm.

Make a lap!

Sl. to sit down. Hey, make a lap and get out of the way! Pull up a chair and make a lap!

See also: make

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be in the lap of the gods

if the result of a situation is in the lap of the gods, you cannot control what will happen I've sent in my application form and I've sorted out my references so it's in the lap of the gods now.

See also: god

drop/fall into your lap

if something good falls into your lap, you get it without making any effort You can't expect the ideal job to just fall into your lap - you've got to go out there and look for it.

See also: drop

in the lap of luxury

if you are in the lap of luxury, you live in conditions of much comfort because you have a lot of money I have to earn enough to keep my wife in the lap of luxury. They live in the lap of luxury in a huge great house in the south of France.

See also: luxury

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fall into your lap also drop into your lap

to come to you without you making any effort You can't expect the ideal job to just fall into your lap – you've got to go out there and look for it.

See also: fall

lap up something also lap something up

1. to enjoy something very much My dogs lap up whatever attention I can give them. Related vocabulary: eat it up

2. to believe what is said or written without knowing or caring if it is true Even if you're lying, there's always someone who will lap it up because most people want to believe you.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of lap up (to eat with great enthusiasm)

See also: up