The idiom "to lay one's hands on" means to find, obtain, or get hold of something or someone, often after a search or with some difficulty. It implies a degree of effort or perhaps even urgency.
Examples in Context
Here are several examples illustrating the use of "lay one's hands on" in different contexts:
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Finding a lost item: "I've been searching everywhere; I just can't seem to lay my hands on my glasses." This shows the effort involved in locating a lost item.
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Obtaining a desired object: "If I could only lay my hands on a copy of that rare book, my collection would be complete." This highlights the desire for a specific, perhaps hard-to-find, item.
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Gaining control or revenge: "Wait until I lay my hands on the person who damaged my car!" This demonstrates the expression's use in contexts involving anger or retribution.
The provided reference example, "I'm still trying to lay my hands on my car keys," perfectly encapsulates the meaning: the speaker is actively searching for their keys. Another example, "He couldn't wait to get his hands on her money," illustrates a more avaricious intent; obtaining something of value.
Understanding the Nuances
The idiom "lay one's hands on" carries a connotation of direct physical interaction, even if that interaction is simply finding something. It's less formal than phrases like "obtain" or "acquire," and often implies a certain level of determination or even desperation in the search.
