lay the ghost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the ghost" is not commonly used in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It can be used in contexts where one is trying to put an end to a lingering issue or memory, often related to past troubles or regrets. Example: "To move forward in life, it's essential to lay the ghost of past failures to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's a great chance to lay the ghost of '98.

The New York Times - Sports

Would a return visit lay the ghost of our incompetent honeymoon?

The Guardian - Travel

So Trevor Phillips is right that we must finally lay the ghost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron should lay the ghost to rest and start by reversing his weird European Parliament lurch.

The New York Times

Since then, Obama has made it even more clear that he wants to lay the ghost of Reagan to rest.

The New Yorker

He claimed a second gold himself five days later, beating Espana in the 5,000m final to fully lay the ghost of Gothenburg.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is time to lay the ghosts of empire to rest.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are groping for connection, for understanding; anything that will lay the ghosts and put the past to rest.

The Guardian - Film

Prosperity, modernisation and peace, plus a judicious dose of amnesia, would lay the ghosts to rest.But Mr Judt was no sentimental Europhile.

The Economist

To lay the ghosts of 9/11 to rest, it is necessary for New York to both rebuild what was destroyed, and also to memorialise in a fitting way those who were murdered - but fitting for whom, exactly?

BBC

She could look out of the window, and in the girders of the Queensboro Bridge, the shake and hum of traffic above and below, would lie the ghost of the Howrah.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay the ghost" when you want to express the idea of resolving a past issue or finally overcoming a negative memory that continues to have an impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lay the ghost" for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best suited for situations involving significant emotional or psychological baggage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the ghost" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of resolving or overcoming a past issue or negative experience that continues to haunt or affect the present. It often suggests a sense of closure or finality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay the ghost" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of resolving or overcoming a past issue or negative experience that continues to haunt or affect the present. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and sports reporting. While

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make peace with the past

Stresses acceptance and emotional resolution.

leave the past behind

Similar to putting the past behind, but with a slightly more active implication of distancing oneself.

put the past behind

A more general phrase indicating a decision to move on.

turn the page

Suggests a fresh start, leaving old problems behind.

overcome past trauma

Focuses specifically on emotional or psychological wounds.

resolve lingering issues

Focuses on the act of settling outstanding problems.

close a chapter

Indicates the end of a specific phase or event.

exorcise demons

Emphasizes a more intense, personal struggle.

move beyond past failures

Specifically addresses learning from mistakes.

bury the hatchet

Implies reconciliation after a dispute.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lay the ghost" of something?

To "lay the ghost" of something means to finally resolve or put an end to a troubling memory, issue, or past event that continues to have a negative impact.

How can I use "lay the ghost" in a sentence?

You can use "lay the ghost" to describe overcoming a past failure or resolving a long-standing conflict. For example, "Winning this championship helped him "move beyond past failures"".

What are some alternatives to saying "lay the ghost"?

Alternatives to "lay the ghost" include "put the past behind", "make peace with the past", or "resolve lingering issues". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is "lay the ghost" formal or informal?

"Lay the ghost" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's most commonly found in news and media.