lay out the plan

Meaning

To explain or present a strategy, project roadmap, or set of steps in a clear, detailed, and organized way. It is frequently used in meetings, presentations, and project kick-offs to ensure everyone understands the upcoming tasks.

Examples

• During the morning meeting, the project manager will lay out the plan for the next quarter.

  During the morning meeting, the project manager will lay out the plan for the next quarter.

• She used a slide deck to lay out the plan step by step.

  She used a slide deck to lay out the plan step by step.

• Before we start coding, let's lay out the plan for the database architecture.

  Before we start coding, let's lay out the plan for the database architecture.

• The CEO took twenty minutes to lay out the plan for the upcoming merger.

  The CEO took twenty minutes to lay out the plan for the upcoming merger.

• Once we lay out the plan, we can assign specific tasks to each team member.

  Once we lay out the plan, we can assign specific tasks to each team member.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to lie out the plan before we start.

  ✓ We need to lay out the plan before we start.

  'Lie' is an intransitive verb that does not take an object. You must use the transitive verb 'lay' because 'the plan' is the direct object.

• ✗ The manager explained to lay out the plan.

  ✓ The manager laid out the plan.

  'Lay out' is a phrasal verb that directly takes the object; you do not need to introduce it with 'explained to' in this structure.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Let's gather in the conference room so Sarah can ___ for the marketing campaign.

  💡 Explain the strategy in detail.

  Show answer

  lay out the plan

• It is much easier to work when the managers clearly ___ from day one.

  💡 Present the step-by-step approach.

  Show answer

  lay out the plan