lay hold of (someone or something)
To grasp or grip someone or something. Lay hold of that end of the sheet and pull it straight. I tried to lay hold of her before she fell off the step, but it happened too fast.
lay hold of someone or something
to grasp someone or something with the hands. Just wait till I lay hold of Bill! I can't wait to lay hold of that fishing pole. I'm ready to catch a huge fish.
lay hold of
Grasp, seize on, as in He clutched at branches, shrubs, anything he could lay hold of to break his fall. [First half of 1500s] Also see get hold of.