1
general::
1. Attack physically, The boys ganged up and laid into Bobby. 2. Scold vigorously, as in The teacher laid into her aide when she learned he had left the children alone in the schoolyard. [Early 1800s] Also see PITCH INTO.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): lay into someone or something
to attack, consume, or scold someone or something. • Bob laid into the big plate of fried chicken. • The bear laid into the hunter. • My father really laid into me when I got home.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs