lay a glove on
The phrase "lay a glove on" originates from boxing and has extended into various metaphorical uses.
Definition
B2Boxing
(sports)To hit an opponent with a boxing glove.
Example
- Despite his best efforts, he couldn't lay a glove on his agile opponent.
B2General
(negative, informal)To fail to touch or affect someone physically or emotionally.
Example
- In the heated debate, he couldn't lay a glove on his rival.
C1Reputation
(metaphorical, informal)To harm someone's reputation or make an accusation effective.
Example
- The journalist tried, but couldn't lay a glove on the politician's reputation.
C1Competition
(informal)To provide meaningful competition or be able to handle someone.
Example
- The underdog team couldn't lay a glove on the reigning champions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay a glove on":
lay hands onlay a finger onput one's hands onlay hold ofstrike a blowlay intohit ontake off one's glovesget one's hands onget the drop onbeat the stuffing out ofknock the living daylights out ofbeat the daylights out ofhit withhit outslap downsmack outbeat up onhit one out of the ballparkdrop the gloveshit offthrow handssmack upcome to gripsknock into a cocked hatget one's arms aroundbeat the shit out ofget to first basegrab by the lapelsput one overwipe the floor with someonehave a handle onget hold ofget to grips withbeat ongut punchbeat downknock outcome to blowslay it on thickbeat up