lie off

verb

lay off; lain off; lying off; lies off

intransitive verb

1
: to hold back in the early part of a race
2
: to keep a little away from the shore or another ship
3
: to cease work for a time

Examples of lie off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That effort now appears to have come to an abrupt end as USAID contractors around the world prepare to abandon critical projects and lay off staff. Jake Bittle, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2025 Organizations that provide vital care for desperate and vulnerable people around the world have been forced to halt operations, turn away patients and lay off staff. Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 31 Jan. 2025 Challenging economics are pushing organizations globally to cut cyber security budgets, lay off staff as well as freeze new hires and promotions. Phillimon Zongo, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 In addition to the Russian exit, Unilever’s CEO Hein Schumacher has, in his first year at the helm, overseen plans to spin off the group’s ice cream business, lay off up to 7,500 staff and focus on 30 key brands to reverse years of underperformance. Reuters, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lie off 

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lie off was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near lie off

Cite this Entry

“Lie off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie%20off. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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