lay a glove on sb/sth

Definition & Meaning of "[lay] a glove on {sb/sth}"

to lay a glove on sb/sth

to cause a loss of respect or reputation for a person or thing

What is the origin of the idiom "lay a glove on someone or something" and when to use it?

The idiom "lay a glove on someone or something" means to strike or hit them, either physically or metaphorically. The origin of this phrase is rooted in boxing, where it referred to the act of landing a punch on an opponent. The phrase has since evolved to encompass any situation where someone confronts or challenges another person or thing, whether it's through physical combat or verbal debate.

to physically hit someone, particularly while wearing boxing gloves

What is the origin of the idiom "lay a glove on someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "lay a glove on someone" has its origins in the sport of boxing, where the act of landing a punch with a glove on an opponent signifies a successful hit or blow. The expression dates back to the 18th century and is often used to emphasize the difficulty or the rare achievement of actually hitting someone, as boxing matches involve a degree of skill and agility to both attack and defend.

Example

The critic failed to lay a glove on the acclaimed movie, which received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

In the schoolyard fight, it was clear that the bully was no match for the smaller kid, as he couldn't lay a glove on his agile adversary.

The journalist tried to lay a glove on the politician during the interview, but the politician skillfully deflected the tough questions.

The skilled martial artist's training enabled her to swiftly counter her opponent's attacks, making it nearly impossible for him to lay a glove on her.