Lay/get your hands on something
phrase
To find or get something that you want or need.
I can't wait to lay my hands on that book.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on money
- lay your hands on resources
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch someone affectionately or as a blessing.
The priest will lay his hands on the child during the baptism.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on the sick
- lay your hands on the children
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch or handle someone roughly or abusively.
You better not lay your hands on me!
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on a person
- lay your hands on someone aggressively
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To find or get something that you want or need.
I can't wait to lay my hands on that book.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on money
- lay your hands on resources
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch someone affectionately or as a blessing.
The priest will lay his hands on the child during the baptism.
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on the sick
- lay your hands on the children
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To touch or handle someone roughly or abusively.
You better not lay your hands on me!
Often appears as...
- lay your hands on a person
- lay your hands on someone aggressively
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
Expresses a strong desire to possess or enjoy something, often with a sense of urgency.
She was so excited to lay her hands on the concert tickets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
This phrase is usually used figuratively, not implying physical touching.
Once I lay my hands on a reliable car, I'll visit you more often.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Achievement
Often means obtaining something after a search or by overcoming challenges.
He finally laid his hands on the rare stamp he'd been looking for.
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
Expresses a strong desire to possess or enjoy something, often with a sense of urgency.
She was so excited to lay her hands on the concert tickets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
This phrase is usually used figuratively, not implying physical touching.
Once I lay my hands on a reliable car, I'll visit you more often.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Achievement
Often means obtaining something after a search or by overcoming challenges.
He finally laid his hands on the rare stamp he'd been looking for.
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
Expresses a strong desire to possess or enjoy something, often with a sense of urgency.
She was so excited to lay her hands on the concert tickets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
This phrase is usually used figuratively, not implying physical touching.
Once I lay my hands on a reliable car, I'll visit you more often.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Achievement
Often means obtaining something after a search or by overcoming challenges.
He finally laid his hands on the rare stamp he'd been looking for.
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