lay into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Hit someone hard, or say very angry and mean things to them.
Literal meaning: To lay (strike) blows into someone.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To attack someone physically with force.
"Three men laid into him before bystanders managed to pull them apart."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To criticise or scold someone very severely and angrily.
"The manager laid into the team after their poor performance in the first half."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
informal
To eat or consume something enthusiastically and with great energy.
"The kids laid into the birthday cake the moment it was cut."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in both physical and verbal contexts. When used for verbal attack, it implies a sustained, forceful, and often public criticism. Can also describe eating food enthusiastically. Informal in all uses.
Commonly used with
critic boss opponent food crowd press
Forms
Base
lay into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lays into
he/she/it
Past simple
laid into
yesterday
Past participle
laid into
have + pp
-ing form
laying into
continuous
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