The phrase "lay one hands on" is commonly misspelled as "lay one hands upon". The correct spelling is "lay one's hands on". The first word, "lay", is pronounced /leɪ/. The possessive pronoun "one's" is pronounced /wʌnz/. Finally, the phrase "hands on" is pronounced /hændz ɑn/. Together, the correct pronunciation is /leɪ wʌnz hændz ɑn/. This expression means to obtain or gain possession of something, often with a sense of urgency or importance.
To "lay one's hands on" is an idiomatic expression that means to physically obtain, find, or acquire something or someone. The phrase refers to the act of placing one's hands upon or coming into contact with the desired item or person. It often implies a sense of urgency, determination, or even aggressiveness in obtaining what is sought.
This phrase can be used in various contexts. For instance, it can refer to getting a hold of a physical object that is difficult to find or access. It could also pertain to capturing or apprehending a person, sometimes suggesting a confrontational or forceful approach. In either case, "laying one's hands on" denotes taking immediate and direct action to gain possession or control.
The phrase is commonly used metaphorically to indicate a strong desire to obtain something intangible, such as information, knowledge, or a solution to a problem. It can imply an eagerness or determination to acquire this desired outcome. In such cases, the individual may feel an insatiable need to understand or uncover something that has been elusive or inaccessible.
Overall, "laying one's hands on" conveys an active pursuit or engagement to procure an object, person, or conceptual pursuit. It emphasizes the physical or metaphorical contact needed to acquire or achieve the desired goal, often highlighting the urgency, determination, or forcefulness employed in the process.