lace into
Meaning
To attack someone aggressively—usually by criticizing them strongly (and sometimes by physically hitting them).
Origin
From an older sense of “lace” meaning to strike or beat (as with a whip). By the early 20th century “lace into” was used for launching a vigorous attack, later commonly verbal.
Notes
Informal and forceful. Most often means harsh verbal criticism of a person, but can also mean launching into a task/food energetically (“lace into the meal”).
Examples
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The coach laced into the players for missing practice again.
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As soon as the meeting started, she laced into her colleague’s proposal.
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A stray dog lunged at him, and he laced into it with a stick to protect himself.
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When the food finally arrived, everyone laced into the pizza without waiting.
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The critic laced into the film, calling it sloppy and self-indulgent.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Phrasal verb: lace into + person/thing. Inflects normally (laced into, lacing into). Object usually follows “into” (not *lace someone into).
Synonyms
- lay into
- tear into
- rip into
- chew out
- go after
- attack
Antonyms
- praise
- commend
- go easy on
- spare