"What are you applying" Phrase used by people who are trying to find out what someone else is trying to say
something that has been done; pas-tense
"I have done (applied) what I have been taught to do"
"Did you follow the recipe this tastes great?"... Yes I did (applied) it.
and so lisa was like, "if you combine the words apple and pie, you'd get something ..." and then someone else was like, "applie."
to make it known you want somebody
if you want me , apply pressure.
While giving evidence at the trial of Stephen Ward, Rice-Davies made the quip for which she is most remembered. When the prosecuting counsel pointed out that Lord Astor denied having an affair or having even met her, she replied, "Well, he would, wouldn't he?" (from Wikipedia).
Hence, "MRD applies" means "he would say that, wouldn't he". Usually used to devalue an opinion by drawing attention to the other-than-impartial situation of the person voicing it.
I think this is a silly idea, myself, but then, I’m a state regulator, so MRD applies.
John Quiggin on badanalysis.com