Used to express strong emotions, usually anger or frustration, in a confrontational scenario. After the error, the coach laid into the team at halftime.
Pro Tip 2/3
Colloquial Use
Common in spoken language and informal writing, but avoid using in formal or professional documents. She laid into me for spoiling the movie plot.
Pro Tip 3/3
Figurative Language
It's a metaphorical expression, meaning the confrontation isn't necessarily physical. During the debate, he laid into his opponent's policies brutally.