best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
laid
UK /leɪd/ US /leɪd/
adj 1name 1
Definitions
adj
1
Marked with parallel lines, as if ribbed, from wires in the mould.
name
1
A surname.
Collocations
5ADJ.
beautiful, flat, heavy, injured, other, whole
She laid her injured arm carefully on the pillow and closed her eyes.
VERB + LAID
arriving, garden, sticks, taxes
The builder laid sticks across the foundation before pouring the concrete.
LAID + NOUN
baby, egg, flu, herself, himself, man, wine, workers
She laid the egg in the nest and walked away carefully.
PREP.
across, between, down, in, off, on, out, until
She laid the blanket across the back of the couch before the guests arrived.
ADV.
aside, professionally, quite
She laid aside her phone and focused entirely on the conversation.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective — set down according to a plan
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry
No matter how well a project is planned, accidents or misfortune can still occur.
But mouse, you are not alone, In proving foresight may be vain; The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew And leave us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy!
the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray
Alternative form of the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
Example Bank
601
The streets are laid out quite well.
Tatoeba · #2176502
A submarine cable was laid between the two countries.
Tatoeba · #2215803
We laid the injured man on the grass.
Tatoeba · #2291404
On arriving home, he laid himself on the floor.
Tatoeba · #2420205
I've been laid up with flu for the last week.
Tatoeba · #2774006
Heavy taxes are laid on wine.
Tatoeba · #29231Usage Notes
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