lift/raise a hand against somebody

raise (one's) hand against (someone)

To punch or slap someone, or threaten to do so. It's a pathetic, cowardly man who would raise his hand against his own child. Times have changed, and teachers never raise their hands against their students anymore.

See also: hand, raise

raise a hand against

Also, lift one's hand against. Threaten to hit or actually hit, as in She's never raised a hand against the children. [First half of 1500s]

See also: hand, raise

lift/raise a ˈhand against somebody

to hit or threaten to hit somebody: She never raised a hand against her daughter because she didn’t believe in hitting children.

See also: hand, lift, raise, somebody