lay aside

put something to one side to use or deal with later

B2

What does "lay sth aside" mean?

To lay aside something means to put it to one side, stop engaging with it for now, or save it for a later time. It covers both physical actions — such as putting down a book or a tool — and more abstract ones, such as choosing to stop letting differences, fears, or personal feelings get in the way. The most distinctive and common use today is this figurative sense: setting aside emotions, disagreements, or attitudes in order to move forward, often in a spirit of cooperation. There is a notably formal, even solemn quality to this phrasal verb — you are most likely to encounter it in political speeches, formal writing, or literary texts. In everyday conversation, native speakers tend to reach for 'put aside' or 'set aside' instead.

Examples

How to use it

lay aside + object (abstract)

The most common pattern, used when asking someone to temporarily stop letting attitudes, emotions, or disagreements interfere — especially in formal or persuasive contexts.

The chairperson urged both sides to lay aside their grievances and negotiate in good faith.

lay + object + aside (separation with short noun phrase)

Short noun objects frequently appear between 'lay' and 'aside', especially in writing and formal speech.

She laid her fears aside and stepped forward to accept the challenge.

lay + pronoun + aside (obligatory separation)

When the object is a pronoun, separation is always required — the pronoun must go between 'lay' and 'aside'.

The report had caused controversy, but the committee agreed to lay it aside for the time being.

be laid aside

The passive form is natural, particularly with abstract objects and in formal written contexts, often suggesting something has been deliberately set aside or shelved.

Personal ambitions must be laid aside when the interests of the whole team are at stake.

lay aside + object (money / savings)

Used to describe saving a sum of money gradually over time, though this sense has a somewhat old-fashioned feel in modern English.

Her grandparents had laid aside enough money over the years to help with the cost of her studies.

Common Collocations

differencesgrievancesfearspridemoneya project

Common Mistakes

Irregular past tense

The past tense of 'lay aside' is 'laid aside', not 'layed aside'. 'Lay' is an irregular verb that follows the pattern lay / laid / laid.

✗ She layed aside her concerns and focused on the task.
✓ She laid aside her concerns and focused on the task.
Using present continuous for abstract senses

Saying 'is laying aside' sounds unnatural when the object is something abstract like differences or feelings. Use the simple present or past instead.

✗ The two parties are laying aside their differences right now.
✓ The two parties have laid aside their differences to work on a joint solution.
Choosing 'lay aside' in casual conversation

'Lay aside' has a formal, literary tone that sounds out of place in everyday speech. In conversation, 'put aside' or 'set aside' are more natural choices.

✗ I laid aside my coffee and answered the phone. (overly formal in most spoken contexts)
✓ I put aside my coffee and answered the phone.

Usage

'Lay aside' is formal and literary; in everyday conversation, native speakers usually prefer 'put aside' or 'set aside'. It is particularly common in formal speeches or writing when asking people to temporarily forget their disagreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'lay aside' always refer to something temporary?

Generally, yes — there is usually an implication that the thing being set aside could be returned to, or that the decision to set it aside is deliberate rather than permanent. This is especially true for the 'temporarily abandon' sense, where differences or feelings are laid aside with the expectation of making progress. The 'save money' sense also implies the money is being kept for a future purpose.

Can 'lay aside' be used in formal writing and speeches?

Yes — this is actually where 'lay aside' is most at home. It frequently appears in political speeches, formal appeals, and literary prose, often with a persuasive or rhetorical quality. If you are writing a formal essay or speech and want to suggest that people should temporarily forget their disagreements, 'lay aside' is a strong and natural choice.

What kinds of things can you 'lay aside'?

The most common objects are abstract: differences, grievances, prejudices, fears, pride, personal feelings, and ambitions. Physical objects like books, tools, or manuscripts also work, though 'put down' or 'set down' can sound more natural for purely literal actions. 'Lay aside' is at its most distinctive when the object is something emotional or attitudinal.

Does 'lay aside' have other meanings beyond the ones here?

The three senses covered here — putting something down, saving something for later, and temporarily abandoning something — are the main uses. All three share the same core idea of moving something out of your current focus or activity.

Is 'lay aside' becoming old-fashioned?

Partly. The 'save money for later' sense is considered somewhat dated in modern English, and 'put aside' or 'set aside' would sound more natural in most contemporary contexts. However, the 'temporarily abandon' sense — especially with abstract objects like differences or fears — remains alive and well in formal writing, journalism, and speeches.

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