lay claim to

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.

Example Sentences

Whichever nation establishes a presence there first could lay claim to the region for themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course, China's parade – while dripping with futuristic weaponry - offered some historical narrative, as well – an attempt by the communist government to lay claim to a larger role in defeating fascism and imperialism in World War Two.

From BBC

A row has broken out between two German states, Bavaria and Thuringia, as to who can lay claim to inventing the Bratwurst sausage.

From BBC

Kyiv has never lay claim to any Russian territories.

From BBC

In Hollywood, studios tended to lay claim to nearby restaurants almost as extensions of their own commissaries, with cocktail privileges.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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