lay off

lay off  {v. phr.}

1. To mark out the boundaries or limits.

He laid off a baseball diamond on the vacant lot.

Compare: LAY OUT (5).

2. To put out of work.

The company lost the contract for making the shoes and laid off half its workers.

3.  {slang}

To stop bothering; leave alone. — Usually used in the imperative.

Lay off me, will you? I have to study for a test.

4.  {slang}

To stop using or taking.