# lay the wood

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lay-the-wood
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to deliver a strong, powerful hit or play

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.