lay to
1．give the blame or credit to；name as cause归因于；归功于（或归罪于）
He was unpopular and when he made money， it was laid to his dishonesty， but when he lost money， it was laid to his stupidity．他不得人心，当他赚钱时，人家说他来路不正，而当他赔了本时，人家又说他笨。
2．hold a ship or boat still against the wind；come to anchor逆风而保持船静止不动；停泊
The ship laid to off the coast．这艘船停泊在海岸外面。
The pirates decided to lay to that night and go ashore in the morning．海盗们决定该晚停船不动，天亮再登岸。
3．exert oneself；work hard努力工作
He got hold of a shovel and laid to with the others．他拿起铲子与别人一起大干起来。
4．attack vigorously猛烈攻击
He seized a stick and laid to in all directions．他抓起一根棍棒向四下乱打。