lay before

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lay something before someone

1. Lit. to present something to someone. The cat laid the mouse before her mistress. Dave laid the present before her as a peace offering.

2. Fig. to present something for someone to judge. All you can do is lay the matter before the teacher and hope for a favorable response. I want to lay this before you and let you decide.

See also: before, lay

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? References in classic literature
High indeed then were her hopes as she came in sight of the hill, but they were soon dashed by what lay before her, for there, in the fields that lay between, were fully a hundred creatures similar to those behind her and all were on the alert, evidently warned by the whistling of their fellows. The Chessmen of Mars by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context My mother pulled it up with impatience, and there lay before us, the last things in the chest, a bundle tied up in oilcloth, and looking like papers, and a canvas bag that gave forth, at a touch, the jingle of gold. Treasure Island by Stevenson, Robert Louis View in context Tarzan dreamed of the happy homecoming which lay before him, of dear arms about his neck, and a soft cheek pressed to his; but there rose to dispel that dream the memory of the old witch-doctor and his warning. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context More results

? References in classic literature

High indeed then were her hopes as she came in sight of the hill, but they were soon dashed by what lay before her, for there, in the fields that lay between, were fully a hundred creatures similar to those behind her and all were on the alert, evidently warned by the whistling of their fellows.

The Chessmen of Mars by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context

My mother pulled it up with impatience, and there lay before us, the last things in the chest, a bundle tied up in oilcloth, and looking like papers, and a canvas bag that gave forth, at a touch, the jingle of gold.

Treasure Island by Stevenson, Robert Louis View in context

Tarzan dreamed of the happy homecoming which lay before him, of dear arms about his neck, and a soft cheek pressed to his; but there rose to dispel that dream the memory of the old witch-doctor and his warning.

Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context

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lay around
lay aside
lay aside for
lay at door
lay at feet
lay away
lay bare
lay before
lay cards on the table
lay claim to
lay down
lay down arms
lay down life
lay down the law
lay emphasis on

Idioms and phrases

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