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