What does the phrasal verb “lay up” mean?

What are the definitions of “lay up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To be confined or unable to move due to injury or illness.

  He was wounded in an air-raid when on the run, lay up for a long while, then got knocked about by Gestapo thugs.

• 2. To stay or hide in a particular place.

  I'm thinking we'd best lay up in this crack till night's over.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lay up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lay up is to be unable to move or be confined due to an injury or illness. It often refers to a person who is bedridden or unable to participate in their usual activities because of their condition.

What are the different verb forms of “lay up”?

Root Verb	lay up
Third Person Singular Present	lays up
Present Participle	laying up
Simple Past	laid up
Past Participle	laid up

Example

He had to lay up for a few weeks after breaking his leg.

Example

She lays up whenever she has a migraine.

Example

He is laying up in bed due to a high fever.

Example

She was laid up with the flu for a week.

Example

He had been laid up for a month after the accident.

What kind of phrasal verb is “lay up”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“lay up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She was laid up with a bad cold.

Example

He had to lay up after the surgery.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“lay up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She was laid up with a bad cold.

Example

He had to lay up after the surgery.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lay up”?

Lay up in a place

To stay or hide in a particular place, often to avoid being found or to rest.

Example

The fugitive laid up in an abandoned house to avoid being caught.

Good things to know

Does “lay up” have an informal or formal tone?

Lay up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'confined to bed' or 'unable to move due to illness or injury' may be more appropriate.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lay up”?

Synonyms

• rest
• recover
• convalesce
• recuperate
• heal
• hide
• stay

Antonyms

• move
• participate
• engage
• reveal
• expose
• be active