lay a finger on
phrase
informal
: to touch or hit (someone)
—usually used in negative statements
I don't know what he's complaining about. I never laid a finger on him.
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Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay a finger on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20a%20finger%20on. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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