Lay Hands On

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /leɪ hændz ɒn/

Definitions of lay hands on

noun a person's hands

Example Sentences

A1 I want to lay hands on a new book to read.

A2 The children were excited to lay hands on the new toys.

B1 The detective needed to lay hands on the missing evidence.

B2 The archaeologist was determined to lay hands on the ancient artifact.

C1 The journalist managed to lay hands on classified documents for the story.

C2 The collector was thrilled to lay hands on a rare painting by a famous artist.

verb to physically touch or seize something

Example Sentences

A1 I want to lay hands on that book.

A2 She was finally able to lay hands on the missing keys.

B1 The detective was determined to lay hands on the criminal.

B2 The archaeologist hoped to lay hands on the ancient artifact.

C1 The government was eager to lay hands on the corrupt officials.

C2 The hacker was skilled at laying hands on sensitive information.

Examples of lay hands on in a Sentence

formal The police were able to lay hands on the suspect after a thorough investigation.

informal I finally managed to lay hands on that book you were looking for.

slang I can't believe I actually laid hands on tickets to the sold-out concert.

figurative She knew she had to lay hands on her emotions before they got out of control.

Grammatical Forms of lay hands on

past tense

laid

plural

lay hands on

comparative

more hands-on

superlative

most hands-on

present tense

lay hands on

future tense

will lay hands on

perfect tense

have laid hands on

continuous tense

is laying hands on

singular

lays hands on

positive degree

hands-on

infinitive

to lay hands on

gerund

laying hands on

participle

laying hands on

Origin and Evolution of lay hands on

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English and Middle English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'lay hands on' originated from Old English and Middle English languages.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in a literal sense to mean physically placing one's hands on something or someone, the phrase evolved over time to also include the figurative meaning of gaining possession or control over something.