# lash into

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lash-into
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to attack or criticize something strongly and directly.

For teachers: to strike or criticize with force; to begin attacking something immediately, often with emotional intensity.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He lashed into" but "He lashed into the problem" — the phrasal verb requires a direct object to indicate what is being attacked or criticized.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.