Lay into Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈɪntu/, /ɪnˈtu/, /ɪntə
LAY IN-too, LAY in-TOO, LAY IN-tuh
lˈeɪ/ /ˈɪntʊ
LAY IN-tuh
Definition
To criticize, scold, or attack someone very harshly, often in a sudden or intense way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used for verbal attacks or criticism. Commonly used in: 'lay into someone' (not something). Stronger than 'tell off' or 'scold', usually expresses intense disapproval. Avoid in formal writing.
Spanish: reprender duramente - regañar - atacar (verbalmente)Portuguese (BR): dar uma bronca - criticar duramente - atacar (verbalmente)Portuguese (PT): ralhar com - criticar duramente - atacar (verbalmente)Chinese (Simplified): 训斥 - 狠批 - 痛骂Chinese (Traditional): 訓斥 - 狠批 - 痛罵Hindi: कड़ी फटकार लगाना - जोर से डाँटनाArabic: وبّخ بشدة - انتقد بقسوةBengali: দেখিয়ে দেওয়া - কড়া সমালোচনা করা - উপর ঝাঁপিয়ে পড়া (কথার মাধ্যমে)Russian: разнести - наброситься (словами) - устроить разносJapanese: 激しく叱る - 強く非難するVietnamese: mắng té tát - chỉ trích dữ dộiKorean: 호되게 나무라다 - 심하게 꾸짖다 - 심하게 비난하다Turkish: ağzına geleni söylemek - sertçe azarlamakUrdu: ڈانٹ پلانا - شدید تنقید کرناIndonesian: memarahi habis-habisan - mengomeli keras
Example Sentences
The coach laid into the team after they lost the game.
basic
My mom lays into me when I forget my homework.
basic
She laid into her brother for breaking her phone.
basic
Wow, the boss really laid into Tom during the meeting—everyone was silent.
natural
If you forget to call her, she'll definitely lay into you.
natural
I was just five minutes late and she laid into me like I had committed a crime!
natural