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.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

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