Meaning trap

lay out

spend money

to spend a significant amount of money on something, often more than expected or with some reluctance.

phrasal verbC1rare

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

spend money

to spend a significant amount of money on something, often more than expected or with some reluctance.

lay out (arrange or plan something)

'lay out' also has the more basic meaning 'arrange or plan something'; this is the advanced sense.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I had to lay out nearly £2,000 for car repairs last month.

Some people are unwilling to lay out large sums on insurance, believing it to be unnecessary until a problem arises.

One small grammar move makes it sound right.

Not: I laid out £500 ~~for~~ the car.

Say: I laid out £500 on the car.

'Lay out + amount + ON something' (not 'for').

Tap the one a native speaker would say.

Words that usually travel with it.

lay out + on

Other meanings and phrases to compare.

lay out (arrange or plan something) — 'lay out' also has the more basic meaning 'arrange or plan something'; this is the advanced sense.