Phrase guide

lay hands on

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To find, obtain, or procure.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • If we can lay hands on some chicken wire and a black light, we can make some scary Halloween decorations.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: get one's hands on, get hold of

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To seize or assault.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lay, hands.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

manage with the hands

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: manipulate

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: saada käsiinsä — to obtain or procure
  • Italian: mettere mano a — to obtain or procure