lay a finger on

Idioms  

1. Also, put a finger on. Barely touch, as in You'd better not lay a finger on those documents! or If you lay a finger on me, I'll sue. This expression is nearly always used as a prohibition. [Mid-1800s] Also see put one's finger on.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lay a finger on

He said the boy "did not lay a finger on Amen Teklay" and that being at the scene did not make him guilty.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

But it didn’t lay a finger on the underlying disease.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2023

“I’m just going to say it. They didn’t lay a finger on you,” Mr. Dinh said.

From New York Times ● Apr. 18, 2023

The first player to reach for him was George Wolo, but Curtis was gone in a blur before Wolo could lay a finger on him.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 28, 2021

The imps had not been able to lay a finger on her, and Muriel had been too injured to give proper chase.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Related Words

• brush
• caress
• feel
• handle
• hit
• kiss
• lick
• pat
• reach
• rub
• strike
• stroke
• tap