laid hands on
Got ahold of
Laid hands on means to touch, seize, or get hold of something.
It often implies finally obtaining what was sought: I couldn't find my keys until I laid hands on them under the couch.
The phrase can suggest physical aggression: If he ever laid hands on her, she'd leave.
In religious contexts, laying hands on someone is a ritual of blessing, healing, or ordination.
- graspedClutched or understood
- acquiredCame to possess
- obtainedCame into possession
- seizedTook suddenly, forcefully
- healedReturned to health
snatched up · ordained · holy orders · exorcised · touched · grabbed · consecrated · blessed · captured · commandeered · procured · sanctified · held · anointed · clutched · claimed · appropriated · clasped