lay a finger on (someone or something)

lay a finger on (someone or something)

To touch someone or something in the slightest way. If you so much as lay a finger on my son again, I'm calling the cops. I can't believe the vase shattered like that—I feel like I barely laid a finger on it.

See also: finger, lay, on

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

lay a finger on someone or something

to touch someone or something, even slightly, as with only a finger. Don't you dare lay a finger on my pencil. Go get your own! If you lay a finger on me, I'll scream.

See also: finger, lay, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

lay a finger on

Also, put a finger on. Barely touch, as in You'd better not lay a finger on those documents! or If you lay a finger on me, I'll sue. This expression is nearly always used as a prohibition. [Mid-1800s] Also see put one's finger on.

See also: finger, lay, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

lay a finger on

touch someone, usually with the intention of harming them.

1993 Tony Parker May the Lord in His Mercy be Kind to Belfast The one thing I'll say about my husband is he never laid a finger on the children and he never hit me in front of them.

See also: finger, lay, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

lay a ˈfinger on somebody

(informal) (often in negative sentences) touch somebody with the intention of hurting them physically: If you lay a finger on her, I’ll call the police.

See also: finger, lay, on, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017