lay about
Do nothing much
To lay about is to strike blows in all directions, attacking wildly or indiscriminately: He laid about with his fists.
The phrase is literary and old-fashioned, appearing mostly in adventure fiction and historical narratives.
A layabout (one word) is an idle person who avoids work.
Beat violently or defeat utterly
- flailSwing limbs erratically
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- lash outAttack abruptly in anger
beat · batter · pummel · wallop · bash · clobber · hammer · pound
Criticize severely and lengthily
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reproveCensure for wrongdoing
- upbraidCriticize harshly, verbally
castigate · lambaste · tongue-lash · dress down · tell off · read the riot act · take to task · chide
thrash
Beat violently or defeat utterly
lash out · beat · batter · pummel · wallop · bash · clobber · hammer · pound · maul
berate
Criticize severely and lengthily
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reproveCensure for wrongdoing
upbraid · castigate · lambaste · tongue-lash · dress down · tell off · read the riot act · take to task · chide · lecture
lay aboutwork hard
Expend serious effort
toil · labor · hustle · plug away · slave away
lay aboutbe ambitious
Desire significant achievement
strive · aspire · push forward · be proactive · persevere
lay, about, lays, laying, layer, layers, layered, outlay, outlays