Phrasal verb
lay into
Definition
phrasal verb. to criticize or attack someone harshly, often in a public or confrontational way.
phrasal verb. to criticize or attack someone forcefully, often in a public or confrontational manner; typically used in contexts involving verbal reprimand or aggressive behavior.
Examples
“The teacher laid into the student for cheating.”
“During the meeting, the manager laid into the employee for missing the deadline.”
“The senator, known for his fiery speeches, laid into the opposition with such intensity that the audience was left stunned.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher laid into the student for cheating.”
contextual
“During the meeting, the manager laid into the employee for missing the deadline.”
complex
“The senator, known for his fiery speeches, laid into the opposition with such intensity that the audience was left stunned.”
Usage
typically followed by a person or group being criticized.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'scold' (more mild) and 'berate' (more intense); 'lay into' implies a more aggressive or public form of criticism.
Pitfall
He laid the employee for the mistake.
He laid into the employee for the mistake.
the particle 'into' is required to indicate the act of criticizing.
Phrasal verb
Particles
into
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lay + into + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/lay-into