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
CEFR B2to state rules firmly and make clear that they are not open to negotiation
lift a finger
CEFR B2to make even the smallest effort to help, most often used in a negative statement
give someone the slip
CEFR B2to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you
rock the boat
CEFR B2to disturb a stable situation by causing trouble or challenging accepted arrangements
stand up and be counted
CEFR B2to declare one's position publicly when doing so calls for courage or principle
turn tail
CEFR B2to 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.