lash into
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to attack or criticize something strongly and directly.
phrasal verb. to strike or criticize with force; to begin attacking something immediately, often with emotional intensity.
The teacher lashed into the student's mistake.
During the meeting, the manager lashed into the report for its lack of detail.
The critic lashed into the film's plot holes with relentless precision.
Usage
typically followed by a noun indicating the target of the attack or criticism.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'criticize' (more general) and 'attack' (more physical); 'lash into' implies sudden, intense verbal aggression.
Pitfall
He lashed intoHe lashed into the problemthe phrasal verb requires a direct object to indicate what is being attacked or criticized.
Last updated April 24, 2026