lay about one

Idioms  

1. Strike blows on all sides, as in When the dogs cornered the old man, he laid about him with his cane . [Early 1400s]

2. Act vigorously, make strenuous efforts, as in When there was an opportunity for profit, he laid about him . [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

Meanwhile they passed the square, and began to turn toward the starosta's house, which lay about one furlong and a half farther on, near the roadside.

From The Deluge, Vol. I. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

One bright morning the anchor was weighed, and the sloop stood away on her cruise to the island of Vincent, which lay about one hundred miles to the westward.

From The Story of Paul Boyton Voyages on All the Great Rivers of the World by Boyton, Paul

The gold on this field was found in “leads”—that lay about one hundred and sixty feet below the surface of the ground.

From Lost Lenore The Adventures of a Rolling Stone by Beach, Charles A.

The fortified camp of the Americans lay about one and one-half miles below, in a parallel line, from the British.

From See America First by Hiestand, Orville O.

A few musical instruments lay about; one of the old lists tells us of a lute, and guitars inlaid with ivory and enamel, and 'an old rebec' much out of repair.

From The Great Book-Collectors by Elton, Charles Isaac