The phrase "lays hands on" means to physically touch or grab something. It can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context. When it comes to antonyms for this phrase, we can consider words that mean to avoid, release or let go of something. In terms of avoidance, words like miss, evade or dodge can be used. In terms of release, words like let go of, relinquish, or surrender can be used. When looking for the opposite of physically touching or grabbing something, words like leave alone, ignore or neglect can be used instead. These antonyms can help add clarity to the context in which "lays hands on" is used.