lay one's hands on
lay one's hands on or get one's hands on {v. phr.}
1. To seize in order to punish or treat roughly.
If I ever lay my hands on that boy he'll be sorry.
Compare: LAY A FINGER ON.
2. To get possession of.
He was unable to lay his hands on a Model T Ford for the school play.
Compare: LAY HANDS ON (1).
3. or lay one's hand on or put one's hand on
To find; locate.
He keeps a file of letters so he can lay his hands on one whenever he needs it.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
