lay hands on

• Etwas finden, bekommen oder erwerben, oft nach Suche oder Anstrengung. Auch physisch berühren oder in die Hände nehmen, oder jemanden festnehmen bzw. ergreifen.

To find, obtain, or acquire something, often after searching or effort. Can also mean to physically touch or take hold of something.

1. Find or obtainB2informal

   To find or get something, often after searching.

   Auftreiben

   • I need to lay my hands on a good dictionary.
   • He finally laid hands on the rare book he wanted.
   • Can you lay your hands on a spare key?

2. Touch or take hold ofB2informal

   To physically touch or grasp something, sometimes with force.

   Berühren oder ergreifen

   • The child laid hands on the forbidden toy.
   • He laid hands on the steering wheel firmly.
   • She laid hands on the documents before anyone else could.

3. B2informal

   To physically attack or harm someone.

   Angreifen oder Schaden zufügen

   • He threatened to lay hands on his opponent.
   • The bully laid hands on the smaller boy.
   • No one should ever lay hands on another person in anger.