lay something at the feet of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lay something at the feet of’ mean?
The idiom "lay something at the feet of" means to hold someone responsible or blame someone for something. It implies the act of attributing a problem or fault to someone else.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave someone holding the baby" means to leave someone with a difficult or unexpected responsibility that they must deal with on their own.
The idiom "lay to rest" means to finally resolve or put an end to something, especially a controversial or lingering issue, through a definitive action or decision.
The idiom "lay to rest" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States. In its literal sense, "lay to rest" refers to the act of burying a deceased person. It is associated with funeral rites and signifies the final farewell to the departed individual.
The idiom "lay the groundwork" means to establish a foundation or prepare the necessary conditions for something to happen or succeed.
The idiom "lay the groundwork" is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It refers to the process of establishing a solid foundation or preparation for something.
The idiom "lay store by" means to attach importance or value to something. It implies that someone has high regard for or places great emphasis on a particular thing or idea.
The idiom "lay on the line" means to take a risk or be open and honest about something, often exposing oneself to potential danger, criticism, or negative consequences.
The idiom "lay on" means to apply or administer something, usually in a forceful or excessive manner. It can also refer to providing or giving something, often in a generous or lavish way.
The idiom "lay off" means to stop doing or using something, to stop bothering someone, or to stop employing someone, usually due to a lack of work or financial issues.
One of the most commonly used idioms in the English language is "lay off." This phrase has various meanings and can be used in different contexts, but its underlying principle is always related to stopping or ceasing an action.
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom "lay eyes on" means to see or look at something. It implies that the person looking at something has a strong desire or interest in it.
The idiom "lay by the heels" means to arrest or capture someone, typically in a forceful manner, by seizing their ankles as a form of restraint.
The idiom "lay by the heels" originates from the early 17th century and has its roots in the world of crime and punishment. It is used to describe the act of apprehending and imprisoning someone, typically with the intention of keeping them detained.
Hidden Significance
The idiom "lay something at the feet of" is a figurative expression that conveys the act of attributing responsibility or blame for something to someone or something else. This idiom is related to several other idioms that capture similar concepts in different ways. These idioms include "lay at someone's door," "at the feet of," "at one's feet," "hold someone's feet to the fire," and "at someone's door."
The idiom "lay at someone's door" is used to mean placing the responsibility or blame for something on a specific individual. It is similar to "lay something at the feet of," as both idioms convey the idea of attributing fault or accountability to a person. However, "lay at someone's door" emphasizes the individual aspect, while "lay something at the feet of" broadens the scope to include any entity that can be held responsible.
"At the feet of" is another related idiom that is often used to mean holding someone accountable for their actions or attributing responsibility to them. It is similar to "lay something at the feet of" in that both idioms convey the idea of assigning blame or responsibility. However, "at the feet of" is a more general expression, while "lay something at the feet of" has a specific connotation of physically placing blame or responsibility on someone.
Similarly, the idiom "at one's feet" is used to describe an individual's submission or surrender to another person's control or influence. It can imply a sense of admiration or devotion. While "at one's feet" does not directly relate to the act of attributing blame or responsibility, it shares the concept of placing oneself in a position of submission or vulnerability, which can be indirectly connected to the idea of accepting or assuming responsibility for something.
"Hold someone's feet to the fire" is another idiom related to "lay something at the feet of." It means to hold someone accountable or to put pressure on them to fulfill their responsibilities or obligations. This idiom emphasizes the act of applying pressure or scrutiny to ensure that someone takes responsibility for their actions. While "lay something at the feet of" focuses on attributing blame or responsibility, "hold someone's feet to the fire" emphasizes the act of holding someone accountable and ensuring they face consequences for their actions.
The final related idiom, "at someone's door," is used to mean attributing responsibility or blame for something to a specific person or entity. This idiom is similar to both "lay at someone's door" and "lay something at the feet of" in that it conveys the act of assigning fault or accountability to someone. However, "at someone's door" specifically emphasizes the idea of placing responsibility for something on a particular individual or entity.
These related idioms further highlight the concept of attributing responsibility or blame to someone or something else. While "lay something at the feet of" focuses on the physical act of placing blame or responsibility on someone or something, these other idioms provide additional nuances and variations of this idea. Together, these idioms offer a range of ways to express the act of assigning fault or accountability, allowing for a deeper exploration of human interaction and communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *lay something at the feet of* can be used in a sentence:
- After the team lost the championship, all the blame was laid at the feet of the coach.
- The success of the project can be laid at the feet of the dedicated team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.
- He laid his proposal at the feet of the board, hoping they would consider his ideas.
More "Attribution" idioms
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