lays hands on

Manages to grab

To lay hands on something is to get hold of it, often with effort or intent: I couldn't lay hands on a copy of the book anywhere.

The phrase can suggest finding something elusive or acquiring something desired.

It also means to touch someone, often aggressively: If he lays hands on her again, call the police.

In religious contexts, laying on of hands is a ritual blessing or healing.

Related

bless · grasp · seize · procure · lay · attack · subdue · heal · snatch · anoint · holy rites · clutch · grab · grapple · assault · restrain · physical contact · obtain

Opposites
acquisition/obtaining

lays hands onreleases

Lets go or publishes

relinquishes · surrenders · gives up · loses · parts with

physical contact/violence

lays hands onlets go

Relinquishes hold, or urges haste

leaves alone · releases · avoids

discovery/location

lays hands onmisplaces

Fails to locate

loses · overlooks · misses

Family

lays, laid, laying, hand, hands, handed, handing, handy, handful

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG