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

The pretty daughter of Farmer Perfrement, whose farm lay about one and a half miles out of East Dereham, was one of those who took occasion to earn a few shillings for pin-money.

From The Life of George Borrow by Jenkins, Herbert George

It lay about one hundred yards from the water, and not more; but the first inconvenience was, it was up hill towards the creek. 

From Robinson Crusoe by Defoe, Daniel

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

Far to the south, on the Wabash River, in what is now the State of Indiana, was another fort called Vincennes, which lay about one hundred and fifty miles to the east of Fort Kaskaskia.

From Historical Tales, Vol. 2 (of 15) The Romance of Reality by Morris, Charles

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.