lay store by: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lay store by’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
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 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.
The idiom "lay over" means to have a temporary stop or stay during a journey before continuing on to another destination.
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 of the land" refers to understanding or becoming familiar with a situation or environment. It implies gaining knowledge about the current state, conditions, or dynamics of a particular situation or place.
The idiom "lay it on thick" means to exaggerate or overdo something, especially when expressing emotions or flattery, in order to create a stronger impact or influence on someone.
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 down the law" means to establish strict rules or regulations, or to assert authority and enforce compliance.
Unveiling Practical Significance
The idiom "lay store by" is a unique phrase that emphasizes the value and significance we place on certain things. It has been a part of the English language for many years and is commonly used in informal conversations and casual writing. The idiom is always used in the same fixed form, with "store" as a noun and "lay" as a verb. This fixed structure makes it easy to recognize and understand the idiom.
The idiom "lay on" is related to "lay store by." It conveys the idea of providing or offering something. When we "lay on" something, we are making it available or providing it to someone. For example, if a host says, "I'll lay on some snacks for the party," they are offering to provide snacks for the event.
Similarly, the idiom "file away" is related to "lay store by." It means to store or keep something for future reference or use. When we "file away" information, we are organizing and storing it for later use. For instance, a student might "file away" their notes from a lecture to study for an upcoming exam.
"hold by the button" is another related idiom. It means to maintain control or influence over someone or something. When we "hold by the button," we are in a position of authority or control. For example, a manager might hold a subordinate "by the button" by having the power to make decisions about their job.
The idiom "lay eyes on" is also related to "lay store by." It means to see or view something for the first time. When we "lay eyes on" something, we are encountering it visually for the first time. For instance, if someone exclaims, "I can't wait to lay eyes on the new exhibit," they are expressing their anticipation to see it in person.
Lastly, we have the idiom "hang upon." It means to depend on or rely heavily on something or someone. When we "hang upon" something, we place a great deal of importance or reliance on it. For example, if someone says, "My success hangs upon this presentation," they are saying that their success greatly depends on the outcome of the presentation.
The idiom "lay store by" is a widely used expression that reflects our tendency to value and place importance on certain things. It is primarily used in informal contexts and is not commonly altered or modified. Its straightforward meaning and simplicity contribute to its recognition and widespread usage. The related idioms, such as "lay on," "file away," "hold by the button," "lay eyes on," and "hang upon," add further depth and nuance to the concept of valuing and attributing significance to something.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "lay store by" can be used in a sentence:
- She always lays store by her father's advice, as she values his wisdom greatly.
- He doesn't lay store by material possessions and believes that true happiness comes from relationships and experiences.
- The company should lay store by customer feedback in order to improve their products and services.
More "Value" idioms
