lay into

lay into or light into  {v.},  {informal}
1. To attack physically; go at vigorously.
The two fighters laid into each other as soon as the bell rang.
John loves Italian food and he really laid into the spaghetti.
2.  {slang}
To attack with words.
The senator laid into the opponents of his bill.
Compare: BAWL OUT, TELL OFF.
Categories: informal slang verb