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Difference between Lay a finger on someone and Put the finger on someone

lay a finger on someone—(also: set a finger on someone) touch or harm a person however slightly:

  • I never ever laid a finger on him. We were very good friends.

put the finger on someone —(sl.) inform against smb.; denounce a person to the police:

  • If I’m grabbed with this junk I’ll rot in jail before I put the finger on you.