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3. lay a finger on

lay a finger on

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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

lay a finger on somebody

to touch someone as a threat of hurting them If you so much as lay a finger on my sister, I'll break your arm!

See also: finger, lay, on

lay a finger on somebody/something

to touch or harm someone or something (usually negative) Honestly, I never laid a finger on him, he just fell over. If you so much as lay a finger on my sister, I'll break your arm!

See also: finger, lay, on

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