Lay/get your hands on somebody
phrase
To find or obtain something.
I don't know where you can lay your hands on a book like that.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on a book
- lay your hands on some money
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch or grab someone in a rough, violent manner.
If you ever lay your hands on her again, you will regret it.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on her
- lay your hands on him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To find or obtain something.
I don't know where you can lay your hands on a book like that.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on a book
- lay your hands on some money
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch or grab someone in a rough, violent manner.
If you ever lay your hands on her again, you will regret it.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on her
- lay your hands on him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase often implies eagerness or urgency in locating or acquiring something.
I need to lay my hands on some concert tickets before they sell out!
Pro Tip 2/3Slang Usage
Sometimes used informally to express getting control of something without permission.
He finally got his hands on his brother's video game collection.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literally
It doesn't always involve physically touching the item, it can mean to acquire it in any way.
She laid her hands on a rare stamp for her collection through an online auction.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase often implies eagerness or urgency in locating or acquiring something.
I need to lay my hands on some concert tickets before they sell out!
Pro Tip 2/3Slang Usage
Sometimes used informally to express getting control of something without permission.
He finally got his hands on his brother's video game collection.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literally
It doesn't always involve physically touching the item, it can mean to acquire it in any way.
She laid her hands on a rare stamp for her collection through an online auction.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase often implies eagerness or urgency in locating or acquiring something.
I need to lay my hands on some concert tickets before they sell out!
Pro Tip 2/3Slang Usage
Sometimes used informally to express getting control of something without permission.
He finally got his hands on his brother's video game collection.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literally
It doesn't always involve physically touching the item, it can mean to acquire it in any way.
She laid her hands on a rare stamp for her collection through an online auction.
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