lay off

What it means

To dismiss workers from a job, usually because there isn't enough work or money, not because of poor performance. It can also mean to stop doing or using something, often as a casual request to back off.

Examples

• The factory laid off two hundred workers after the merger.
• She was laid off last month and is now looking for a new role.
• You should lay off the sugary drinks if you want to feel better.
• Hey, lay off my little brother, he didn't mean any harm.

Where it comes from

Separable: 'lay him off' or 'lay off staff'. The noun 'layoff' (one word) is common in business news. The 'stop doing' sense is informal.

Related phrasal verbs