A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

lay something out • put something out
lay something out—
1
. spread smth. (for use or view): All the
family’s pitiful possessions were laid out in the yard. 2. arrange
the plan or appearance of a garden, etc.: Laying out the page
well makes all the difference to the ease of reading a book. 3.
(of one’s money, strength, etc.) use; spend: I had to lay out all
my strength to move the rock. 4. make a fire start burning:
He was still turned away from me, intent on his task of laying
out the fire.
put something out—
1
. place smth. out of doors: If it turns
fine, I shall put the washing out. 2. = lay something out 
1
: Please
put out my best suit for the governor’s meeting. 3. (of a plant)
send out new growth: We thought the bush was dead, but it
has already put out some new branches. 4. = lay something out
3: Putting out all his strength, he uprooted the tree. 5. produce
smth.: This engine puts out more electric current than the
other one. 6. make smth. public: The police have put out a
description of the jewel thieves. 7. make a light or fire stop
burning: Put out all fires before leaving the camping ground.
8. (of a joint) dislocate: I can’t play tennis with you this week,
I’ve put my shoulder out.
lay something over • put something over
lay something over —(often Passive) 
1
. postpone smth.; leave
smth. to a later date: The concert had to be laid over for
several days. 2. (also: overlay something) put a coating over the
surface of smth.; ornament smth.: The cover of the book was
laid over with gold and silver.
put something over —
1
. make an idea, etc. understood and
well received: Advertisements are intended to put over the
best qualities of the product to the public. 2. (also: put some-
thing off ) = lay something over 
1
: We shall have to put the gar-
den party over until the weather is fine.