Lay into
phrasal verb
To verbally attack someone, criticize harshly.
The boss laid into me for not finishing the report on time.
Often appears as...
- lay into someone
- lay into him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To physically attack someone violently.
He laid into the robber, sending him running down the street.
Often appears as...
- lay into attacker
- lay into him
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To verbally attack someone, criticize harshly.
The boss laid into me for not finishing the report on time.
Often appears as...
- lay into someone
- lay into him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To physically attack someone violently.
He laid into the robber, sending him running down the street.
Often appears as...
- lay into attacker
- lay into him
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to express strong emotions, usually anger or frustration, in a confrontational scenario.
After the error, the coach laid into the team at halftime.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
Common in spoken language and informal writing, but avoid using in formal or professional documents.
She laid into me for spoiling the movie plot.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Language
It's a metaphorical expression, meaning the confrontation isn't necessarily physical.
During the debate, he laid into his opponent's policies brutally.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to express strong emotions, usually anger or frustration, in a confrontational scenario.
After the error, the coach laid into the team at halftime.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
Common in spoken language and informal writing, but avoid using in formal or professional documents.
She laid into me for spoiling the movie plot.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Language
It's a metaphorical expression, meaning the confrontation isn't necessarily physical.
During the debate, he laid into his opponent's policies brutally.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to express strong emotions, usually anger or frustration, in a confrontational scenario.
After the error, the coach laid into the team at halftime.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
Common in spoken language and informal writing, but avoid using in formal or professional documents.
She laid into me for spoiling the movie plot.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Language
It's a metaphorical expression, meaning the confrontation isn't necessarily physical.
During the debate, he laid into his opponent's policies brutally.
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