Meanings
How to pronounce "lay off":
AU
(of an employer) To dismiss (workers) from employment, e.g. at a time of low business volume or through no fault of the worker, often with a severance package.
To place all or part of a bet with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
To cease, quit, stop (doing something).
To stop bothering, teasing, or pestering someone; to leave (someone) alone.
In painting, to apply gentle strokes to smooth a wet coat of paint so as to remove visible roller- or brush-marks, commonly using a dry brush; a similar technique, but using a loaded laying-off brush, may produce a smooth coat of paint when using a roller or the usual brush techniques would leave marks.
Example Sentences
1
The company had to lay off several employees due to budget cuts.
2
I think it's time for you to lay off your brother and let him make his own decisions.
3
The coach told the players to lay off junk food and focus on their fitness.
4
She asked her boss to lay off the overtime because she needed more time for herself.
5
He needs to lay off the alcohol if he wants to improve his health.
