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Difference between Lay something up and Put something up

lay something up

1. (also: lay something by) save or store smth. for future use:

  • The power stations are laying up their usual supplies of coal.

2. (of a car, boat, etc.) take out of use (for repairs, etc.):

  • At the end of the season, all the boats are formally laid up in the harbor.

put something up

1. build smth.; place smth. in position:

  • You have to put up a fence one foot away from the property line.

2. show smth. such as a notice in a public place:

  • The examination results will be put up on this board tomorrow.

3. (of cost, taxes, etc.) increase or raise:

  • These rents are fixed and cannot be put up.

4. pack smth.:

  • She put up a parcel for her daughter who was away at college.

5. offer opposition:

  • They were looking for an excuse to stop fighting, because neither one of them put up an argument.

6. offer smth. for sale:

  • After grandmother’s death, the furniture was put up for sale.

7. = lay something up 2:

  • We had to put the car up for the winter, it was not fit to drive in snow.

Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase set something up

1. = put something up 1:

  • Does any of you know how to set up a tent?

2. establish an organization:

  • A special committee has been set up to examine the details of the suggestion.

3. (Sport) reach a new record:

  • The young swimmer has set up a new fast time for the backstroke.

4. place drinks or glasses ready:

  • Will you set up the drinks while I look after the food?

5. cause pain or infection:

  • This wet weather sets up the ache in my old wound.

6. produce a loud noise:

  • The crowd set up a shout as the winner neared the post.