Meaning & use
laced it
Last updated
“laced it” is a form of “lace”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
phrasetransitiveinformalslang
In sports, to kick or hit a ball with great power and accuracy, often scoring a goal.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase with 'it' as the object, referring to the ball. Often in past tense: 'laced it'.
Patterns
- lace it
- laced it into the net
- laced it from distance
The striker laced it into the top corner from 25 yards.
She laced it past the goalkeeper to win the match.
He laced it first time and the ball flew into the net.
phraseintransitiveinformalslang
To do something with great energy or skill, often in a way that impresses others.
Grammar: Used informally to mean 'did it really well'. Not used in formal writing.
Patterns
- really laced it
- laced it on the test
He really laced it in the final and won the gold medal.
I laced it on that presentation and everyone clapped.
Word forms
| base form | lace it |
|---|---|
| third person singular | laces it |
| past tense | laced it |
| past participle | laced it |
| -ing form | lacing it |
Common combinations
- laced it into the net
- The winger laced it into the net from a tight angle.
- laced it from distance
- The midfielder laced it from distance and it went in off the crossbar.
- laced it past the keeper
- He laced it past the keeper to make it 2-0.
- really laced it
- She really laced it in the interview and got the job.
Synonyms and how they differ
- smashed it
- Also informal and means 'did something very well', but can be used for any activity, not just sports.
- nailed it
- Means 'did something perfectly', often used for performances or tasks, not usually for hitting a ball.
- blasted it
- Specifically means 'kicked or hit the ball very hard', without the sense of accuracy.
Word family
Commonly confused: laced it or laced?
laced it vs laced
As an adjective, 'laced' means 'fastened with laces' or 'mixed with alcohol' (e.g., 'coffee laced with brandy'). The phrase 'laced it' is a separate informal expression.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'laced it' correctly in a sports context?
Choose one answer.
The correct pattern is 'laced it into the goal' (or 'into the net'). Option An is wrong because 'laced it' already includes the object 'it', so 'the ball' is redundant. Options C and D use the wrong prepositions; 'to' and 'on' are not used in this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “laced it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.