lay hands on
The phrase "lay hands on" has diverse meanings, often dependent on the context, ranging from obtaining something to physical contact or ceremonial acts.
Definition
B2General
(common)To find, obtain, or procure something.
Example
- As soon as I lay hands on the report, I'll send it to you.
B2Conflict
(informal)To seize or physically attack someone.
Example
- He threatened to lay hands on anyone who crossed him.
C1Ceremonial
(religious, formal)To place hands on someone as part of a ritual or ceremony, often for healing or blessing.
Example
- The priest laid hands on the sick during the healing service.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay hands on":
put one's hands onget one's hands onlay hold ofget hold oflay a glove onlay a finger onon someone's handscome to handhave a handle ontake holdlaying on of handshand it torun handsseize uponget one's arms aroundin handget to grips withthrow handsat handbe seized ofbare handdeal a handgrab handleget a gripcome to gripshand overjoin handscome upontouch onhold someone's handtake a grabget the drop onhit upontake possession