lay hands on
lay hands on {v. phr.}
1. To get hold of; find; catch.
The treasure hunters can keep any treasure they can lay hands on.
If the police can lay hands on him, they will put him in jail.
Compare: LAY ONE'S HANDS ON (2).
2. To do violence to; harm; hurt.
They were afraid that if they left him alone in his disturbed condition he would lay hands on himself.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
