Antonyms for laying open


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : ley
Phonetic Transcription : leɪ


Definition of laying open

Origin :
  • Old English lecgan "to place on the ground (or other surface)," also "put down (often by striking)," from Proto-Germanic *lagjanan (cf. Old Saxon leggian, Old Norse leggja, Old Frisian ledza, Middle Dutch legghan, Dutch leggen, Old High German lecken, German legen, Gothic lagjan "to lay, put, place"), causative of lie (v.2). As a noun, from 1550s, "act of laying." Meaning "way in which something is laid" (e.g. lay of the land) first recorded 1819.
  • Meaning "have sex with" first recorded 1934, in U.S. slang, probably from sense of "deposit" (which was in Old English, as in lay an egg, lay a bet, etc.), perhaps reinforced by to lie with, a phrase frequently met in the Bible. The noun meaning "woman available for sexual intercourse" is attested from 1930, but there are suggestions of it in stage puns from as far back as 1767. To lay for (someone) "await a chance at revenge" is from late 15c.; lay low "stay inconspicuous" is from 1839. To lay (someone) low preserves the secondary Old English sense.
  • As in exposure : noun uncovering; putting in view or danger
  • As in tell : verb communicate
  • As in uncover : verb reveal, disclose
  • As in unveil : verb reveal
  • As in venture : verb take a chance
  • As in unclothe : verb reveal
  • As in come out with : verb disclose information
  • As in cut : verb sever, chop with sharp instrument; incise
  • As in dissect : verb cut up; take apart
  • As in endanger : verb put in jeopardy
  • As in expose : verb reveal
  • As in expose : verb subject to danger
Example sentences :
  • But, Abi, you were ever bold, and I forgive you for laying open the thoughts of your heart to me.
  • Extract from : « Morning Star » by H. Rider Haggard
  • On breaking these masses, and laying open the fissures, the substance assumed the form of naphtha.
  • Extract from : « Summary Narrative of an Exploratory Expedition to the Sources of the Mississippi River, in 1820 » by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft
  • Something which women understand, prevented her laying open the secrets of the house to Edward; and yet she desired counsel.
  • Extract from : « Turns of Fortune » by Mrs. S. C. Hall
  • And I have been laying open my whole heart, telling my whole history, confessing all my faults and follies, to this girl!
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • Seen from here it was a fearful chasm, laying open hold, orlop, and lower deck.
  • Extract from : « Chronicles of Martin Hewitt » by Arthur Morrison
  • I will teach you how to blush, and soon you will have nothing to fear in laying open all your thoughts and deeds.
  • Extract from : « The Memoires of Casanova, Complete » by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
  • Not if you should impart to him the true nature of both, by laying open to his view the springs of action in both parties.
  • Extract from : « Headlong Hall » by Thomas Love Peacock
  • In the third game of polo a clumsy player struck Mr. Jacobs on the back of his head, laying open his skull.
  • Extract from : « Mr. Jacobs » by Arlo Bates
  • Middleton Flam has just received letters from Washington, laying open the whole plan of operations.
  • Extract from : « Quodlibet » by John P. Kennedy
  • The great disadvantage of primary removal in inducing an artificial pneumo-thorax and in laying open a hæmothorax is obvious.
  • Extract from : « Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 » by George Henry Makins

Synonyms for laying open

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019