stop employing
The company had to lay off 200 workers last year due to falling sales.
lay off — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
lay offsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
stop doing something annoying
Can you lay off the noise? I'm trying to study.
stop consuming
My doctor told me to lay off the caffeine for a while if I want to sleep better.
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Meanings in detail
1. stop employing
B2neutralboth
To stop employing someone, usually because there is not enough work or money.
The company had to lay off 200 workers last year due to falling sales.
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Sign in to unlock2. stop doing something annoying
B1informalspoken
To stop doing something that is bothering or annoying someone.
Can you lay off the noise? I'm trying to study.
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Sign in to unlock3. stop consuming
C1informalspoken
To stop using, eating, drinking, or taking something, especially because it is unhealthy or excessive.
My doctor told me to lay off the caffeine for a while if I want to sleep better.
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