lay claim to

Idioms  

1. Assert one's right to or ownership of, as in “What claim lays she to thee?” (Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors, 3:2). [Late 1500s] Also see stake a claim.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lay claim to

Although other places, notably the Greek island of Chios, also lay claim to Homer's origins, ancient Smyrna and its hinterland -- where Bornova is located -- are closely associated with the poet.

From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026

To my knowledge, Carney’s creator is neither crook nor salesman, but Whitehead can lay claim to those other two mantles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Contemporary nations like Iran, Armenia, and Egypt can lay claim to being built on very old civilizations, but you could point out discontinuities and lapses in sovereignty in their histories that complicate the argument.

From Slate ● Jul. 4, 2026

It could give Craig Bellamy's side the chance to beat them and try and lay claim to being unofficial world champions.

From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026

Only insofar as he struggled successfully with the sea could a man lay claim to his place in things.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• allege
• ask
• assert
• believe
• call for
• challenge
• collect
• declare
• defend
• hold
• insist
• need
• take