lace

lace someone into something

to tighten the laces of something someone is wearing. Sally helped Billy lace himself into his boots. The maid laced Gloria into her corset.

lace someone up

to tie someone's laces; to help someone get dressed in a garment having laces. Would you please lace me up? I can't reach the ties in the back. I laced up Sally, as she requested.

See also: up

lace something up

to tie the laces of something. Lace your shoes up, Tommy. Lace up your shoes.

See also: up

lace something with something

to adulterate something with something, often with something alcoholic. Someone laced the punch with strong whiskey. Who laced my coffee with brandy?

lace into someone or something and light into someone or something

Fig. to attack, devour, or scold someone or something. We laced into a big meal of pork and beans. The bully punched John once, and then John really laced into him. John lit into him with both fists.