lay hands on

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lay hands on

He finally managed to lay hands on the old, dusty book he was searching for.

Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To seize or apprehend physically; to get hold of something or someone, often with effort or intent to control. - This meaning emphasizes the physical act of taking possession, sometimes forcefully or after searching. 2. To place one's hands upon someone, often in a ceremonial or religious context, such as for blessing, healing, or ordination. - This meaning refers to a symbolic or ritualistic act involving touch.

Usage and Examples
  • Meaning 1 (To seize/get hold of):
    • The police were determined to lay hands on the escaped convict.
    • I need to lay hands on that report before the meeting starts.
    • He finally laid hands on a rare first edition of the book.
  • Meaning 2 (To touch ceremonially):
    • The bishop will lay hands on the new priests during the ordination ceremony.
    • In some churches, members lay hands on the sick while praying for healing.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • The phrase often implies a sense of acquisition after difficulty or search, especially in the first meaning.
  • It can carry a slightly aggressive or determined connotation when referring to seizing a person or object.
  • In religious contexts, it is a formal term for a specific ritual act of consecration, blessing, or prayer.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lay (one's) hands on: This is the standard form of the phrasal verb. The possessive pronoun can change (e.g., lay hands on, lay hands on).
  • Get hold of: A more common, neutral synonym for the first meaning.
  • Apprehend / Seize: More formal synonyms for the first meaning when referring to capturing a person.
  • Impose hands: A less common, more formal synonym for the second (religious) meaning.
Synonyms
  • For Meaning 1: Acquire, get hold of, grab, seize, apprehend, capture, find, obtain.
  • For Meaning 2: Bless, anoint, ordain, consecrate (through touch).
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
  • Lay a hand on (someone): To hit or physically harm someone. (Note: This is a distinct idiom, often used in negative constructions: "Don't you dare lay a hand on her!").
  • Have one's hands on: To be in possession of something. (e.g., "I wish I had my hands on that information.").
Related Idioms
  • Lay hands on oneself: An archaic or formal expression meaning to harm or kill oneself.
  • To be laid hands upon: The passive form, meaning to be seized or, in a religious context, to receive the laying on of hands.
lay hands on

He finally managed to lay hands on the old, dusty book he was searching for.

Verb
  1. manage with the hands