lay into

[lay into] or [light into] {v.}, {informal}

1. To attack physically; go at vigorously.

/The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang./

/John loves Italian food and he really laid into the spaghetti./

Syn.: PITCH INTO, SAIL INTO.

2. {slang} To attack with words.

/The senator laid into the opponents of his bill./

Syn.: LACE INTO, RIP INTO.

Compare: BAWL OUT, TELL OFF.

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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