Lay somebody low

usgb
verb

To cause someone to become very sick or to bring someone down by illness.

My grandma was going strong at 90, but the flu really laid her low.
Visual representation of "lay somebody low" - To cause someone to become very sick or to bring someone down by illness

Often appears as...

  • laid him low with illness
  • laid her low with sickness

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "lay somebody low"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Severe Illness

Phrase emphasizes the significant impact of an illness, not just a minor sickness.

Illustration for Severe Illness
After catching pneumonia, the marathon runner was laid low for months.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Weakness

Focuses on the physical debilitation caused by illness, suggesting weakness or incapability.

Illustration for Physical Weakness
The strongest among us can be laid low by a sudden illness.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Temporary State

Implies that the sickness is a temporary state, although recovery time is uncertain.

Illustration for Temporary State
He was laid low with the flu but is expected to recover soon.
Visual representation of the word "Lay somebody low"

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