lay hands on

1. Also, get one's hands on . Get someone or something in one's grasp, especially to do harm. For example, Tom's gone off with the keys again; just wait till I lay my hands on him . [c. a.d. 1000]

2. Also, get or lay or put one's hands on . Find, obtain, as in As soon as I lay hands on the book, I'll call you , or He couldn't seem to put his hands on last year's sales figures . Also see get hold of .

Example Sentences

Nearly 10 years ago, Cancro performed the anointing of the sick — laying hands on a person who is ill, spreading oil on their forehead and praying — on Eguino.

From Los Angeles Times

But Burbank never mentioned Ellis laying hands on Collins.

From Seattle Times

That said, “if someone went to lay hands on you with malicious intent and you were scared for your life, that dog will respond in force.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Offerings" brims with many moods, a feeling fixed in place by Gladstone's portrayal of Hotki's emotional withdrawal, until that transcendent sight of generations of spirits laying hands on Willie Jack parts the shadows.

From Salon

This was the closest he has come to laying hands on the World Cup.

From BBC

Related Words

• capture
• hijack
• seize
• snatch
• steal