lay a finger on
The phrase "lay a finger on" is often used to emphasize restraint or to warn against even the slightest touch or interference.
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Definition
B2General
(colloquial, figurative)To touch or make physical contact with someone, often implying harm or aggression.
Example
- If you lay a finger on him, you'll be in big trouble.
B2General
(colloquial, figurative)To interfere with or disturb something, often with negative consequences.
Example
- If you lay a finger on those documents, you'll regret it.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay a finger on":
lay a glove onlay hands onput one's hands ontouch onlift a fingerlay hold oflay intolay onhands offon someone's handslay tolay over