lay the wood
to deliver a strong, powerful hit or play
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The linebacker loves to lay the wood on opposing players.”
“During the final quarter, the defender stepped up and laid the wood on the runner to force a fumble.”
“With the championship on the line, the veteran safety anticipated the route and laid the wood on the wide receiver, effectively ending the drive.”
- 01
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
give someone wood
To cause someone to have an erection, usually due to sexual arousal.
- 04
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.
- 05
knock on wood
To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.
- 06
lay a finger on
To merely touch.
- 07
lay an anchor to the windward
To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.
- 08
lay an egg
To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.
Last updated August 10, 2026