Example
“If anyone lays a finger on the witness, call security immediately.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
lay down the law
Neutral · CEFR B2
to state rules firmly and make clear that they are not open to negotiation
lift a finger
Neutral · CEFR B2
to make even the smallest effort to help, most often used in a negative statement
give someone the slip
Neutral · CEFR B2
to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you
rock the boat
Informal · CEFR B2
to disturb a stable situation by causing trouble or challenging accepted arrangements
stand up and be counted
Neutral · CEFR B2
to declare one's position publicly when doing so calls for courage or principle
turn tail
Neutral · CEFR B2
to retreat or run away suddenly because of fear
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.