However one slices it, the outcome will be the same.

I've been beating my brains out trying to solve this puzzle.

She is always on-time for meetings.

The train arrived on-time.

He hangs up his spurs after a long and successful career as a cowboy.

The new movie is on everyone's lips.

I can't believe he would step out on his girlfriend like that.

He was caught putting his hands on the stolen goods.

He finally laid hands on the rare book he had been searching for.

He laid hands on the stolen goods.