lay into

phrasal verb colloquial

The phrasal verb "lay into" is used in informal contexts to describe strong, forceful actions, either physical or verbal.

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🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(informal, colloquial)To criticize or scold someone harshly.

Example

She laid into her friend for being late to the meeting.
The coach laid into the team after their poor performance.

B2General

(informal, colloquial)To attack someone physically with great intensity.

Example

The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang.
He laid into the intruder to protect his family.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "lay into":

lay over lay about lay on lay in lay by lay down lay out lay to lay away lay open lay figure lay on the line lay waste lie over lay it on thick lie down lie in lie upon lay off lay up lay back lay a foundation lay a glove on lay to rest lie with lay down the law lie around laid up slap down lace into throw down lay bare lay aside lie back set down lie by lie behind put down lay in lavender lash out lard down lie in the way lay a finger on lay an egg come down on lay pipe rip into dish out lash off pile on get laid