Phrasal Verbs

lay into (1)

This page is about the phrasal verb lay into (1)

INFORMAL

Meaning

to attack someone and repeatedly punch and kick them

Synonym

attack, beat up, set upon

For example

  • lay into sb The police officers who laid into the teenage boys got into trouble because someone filmed the attack.

  • lay into sb A gang of thugs waited for a guy to leave the gay club, and then laid into him. They kicked him to death on the sidewalk, and then laughed as they ran away.

Quick Quiz

After the guys had laid into Kenny, he was

a. bruised and beaten

b. laughing and joking

c. proud and pleased
a) bruised and beaten b) laughing and joking c) proud and pleased

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey