lay a charge

lay a charge

To officially or publicly claim that another person has committed a crime or misdeed. He broke into my house—of course I'm laying a charge against him! We have to have all the facts available before we can decide whether to lay a charge or not.

See also: charge, lay

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lay a charge

make an accusation.

1989 Tony Parker A Place Called Bird We have domestic assaults. The complainant lays a charge.

See also: charge, lay

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017