MACDUFF, LAY ON

a phrase used in any situation calling for vigorous action. This comes from the famous Shakespeare tragedy Macbeth written in the early 1600s. In the play three mysterious witches accost Macbeth and Banquo, another character, and Macbeth is hailed the future king of Scotland. At the urging of his wife he proceeds to murder King Duncan and takes the throne. Macduff, a former friend of Macbeth's, turns against him after Duncan's murder and joins Duncan's son in raising an army to unseat Macbeth. One of the last scenes of the play is a battle in which Macbeth is fighting Macduff. Macbeth refuses to surrender, saying, "Lay on, Macduff; and damn'd be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'" (Lay on means to attack or inflict blows.)