[Idiom] LAY OFF. - Learn When to Step Back and Stop Bothering Others

Stop bothering.

To "Lay off" someone means to stop bothering or criticizing them. The phrase is commonly used as a request or command in social interactions to tell someone to give another person a break, or stop imposing stress or criticism on someone who may already be struggling or overloaded.

Example Sentences

1. The boss said to lay off the overtime this month.

   The boss advised reducing or stopping overtime this month.

2. Due to budget cuts, we need to lay off some staff.

   Due to financial constraints, they need to let some staff go.

3. He was constantly criticizing her, so she told him to lay off.

   She told him to stop his constant criticism.