lay open

The phrase "lay open" is versatile, commonly used to describe making something accessible, visible, or vulnerable.

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Definition

B2General

(common)To reveal or disclose something that was hidden or unknown.

Example

The investigation will lay open the company's secret dealings.

B2General

(common)To make something accessible or available for inspection or use.

Example

The archives were laid open for public viewing.

B2General

(common)To expose something to potential harm or criticism by removing protection or concealment.

Example

His comments laid him open to ridicule.

C1Medical

(technical)To cut open a part of the body, such as tissue, using a scalpel or other cutting instrument.

Example

The surgeon laid open the abscess to drain the infection.

C2Patent Law

(technical)To publish a patent for initial public review before the formal application for registration.

Example

The patent was laid open for public examination in Japan and South Korea.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay open":

lay over lay figure lay about lay on lay by lay away lay in lay to lay down lay out lay back lay up lie over lie down lie back laid up lay into lie in lie around lay aside lay bare lay odds lay to rest lay in lavender lay low lay on the line lay waste lie by lie behind lie upon lay off lie in the way lay a foundation lie with layer up lay of the land lay pipe get laid lay an egg lair up lie before stretch out flat on one's back sleep on lie on the oars lay it on thick