hand
hand — verb
1. to give something to another person by putting it into their hand or within thei
to give something to another person by putting it into their hand or within their reach, especially when you are standing close to them.
Jisoo handed her bus pass to the driver as she stepped onto the bus.
hand + direct object + to + recipient
The librarian handed Bao a stack of books about ancient Egypt.
hand + indirect object + direct object (ditransitive)
Please hand these invitation cards to everyone on the guest list.
imperative: hand + object + to + recipient
A warm towel was handed to each guest at the spa entrance.
passive: was handed + to + recipient
Brandon handed his little brother a bowl of soup across the kitchen table.
- hand someone a plate
- hand a ticket to the inspector
- hand back
- hand over
Grammar Patterns
hand + someone + something
hand + something + to + someone
Usage Note
Frequently takes two objects — you can either 'hand someone something' or 'hand something to someone.' Unlike 'give,' 'hand' always implies the item moves directly from your hand to another person's hand, without a container or intermediary.
Common Mistakes
2. in football (soccer) or ice hockey — for a player to deliberately use a hand or
in football (soccer) or ice hockey — for a player to deliberately use a hand or arm to make contact with the object being played, which is against the competition rules and typically results in a free kick or penalty.
The referee blew his whistle when Omar handed the ball inside the penalty area.
hand + the ball + location of offence
Esteban was penalised for handing the puck during the championship final.
penalised for handing + the puck
A penalty kick was given after the defender deliberately handed the ball near the goal.
consequence: award for handing + the ball
Roya received a yellow card for handing the ball while blocking a shot.
- deliberately hand the ball
- hand the puck
- be penalised for handing
Grammar Patterns
hand + the ball/puck
be penalised for handing + the ball/puck
Usage Note
Only used in sports where hand contact with the ball or puck is forbidden by the rules. Does not apply to basketball or rugby, where handling the ball is legal. In modern football commentary, the noun 'handball' is far more common than the verb 'hand.'
Common Mistakes
3. to take a person by the hand or arm and gently move them to another place, espec
to take a person by the hand or arm and gently move them to another place, especially when they need help walking or direction.
A nurse handed the elderly woman carefully to a chair beside the window.
hand + person + to + destination
Gabriel handed his grandmother slowly across the busy street to the pharmacy.
hand + person + across + location
As the rain started, the doorman handed Mira into the waiting taxi.
hand + person + into + vehicle
With a gentle hand on her elbow, Kofi handed the visitor through the museum entrance.
- hand someone to a seat
- hand someone across the road
- hand someone into a car
- hand someone through a door
Grammar Patterns
hand + someone + preposition + location
Usage Note
Slightly old-fashioned or literary in modern English. In everyday conversation, 'lead,' 'guide,' or 'help' are more common. Frequently used with directional prepositions like 'to,' 'into,' 'across,' or 'through.' The subject is often a person in a caretaking role, such as a nurse, doorman, or family member.
Common Mistakes
hand — noun
1. the end part of your arm, with four fingers and a thumb, that you use for holdin
the end part of your arm, with four fingers and a thumb, that you use for holding, touching, moving, and feeling things
Tunde placed his hand on Sayaka's shoulder to comfort her.
possessive + hand — body part ownership
Before dinner, Hannah washed her hands with warm water and soap.
plural: hands — both hands together
The doctor asked Christopher to hold out his right hand for the injection.
Soraya's hands were shaking as she opened the letter from the university.
hands + shaking — physical reaction to emotion
Élise used both hands to lift the heavy box onto the table.
- right hand
- left hand
- raise your hand
- hold hands
- by hand
- on the one hand
- on the other hand
- foot
the corresponding part at the bottom of the leg
Grammar Patterns
hold/take + possessive + hand
raise + possessive + hand
by hand
Usage Note
Often used with possessive adjectives (my hand, your hands). The plural 'hands' is very common in everyday speech when referring to both hands together.
Common Mistakes
2. a narrow indicator that goes round the middle of a watch or clock and shows the
a narrow indicator that goes round the middle of a watch or clock and shows the current time by its position
The big hand pointed to twelve and the little hand pointed to three.
big hand / little hand — common names for clock hands
Luca glanced at his watch and saw the hand moving slowly toward noon.
When the minute hand reached six, Zayd knew he was late for the meeting.
minute hand — specific hand for minutes
The clock on the wall had shiny black hands against a plain white face.
- hour hand
- minute hand
- second hand
- clock hand
- watch hand
- hand points to
Grammar Patterns
the + adjective + hand
hand + points to + number
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 by context — clock vocabulary (watch, dial, face) signals this sense. The three specific types are called 'hour hand', 'minute hand', and 'second hand'.
Common Mistakes
3. while playing cards, the collection that one participant holds during a single g
while playing cards, the collection that one participant holds during a single game stage, or that stage of play considered on its own
Sayaka looked at her hand and smiled — she was holding three aces.
look at + possessive + hand — examining one's cards
Gabriel dealt seven cards to each player, and everyone picked up their hand.
After winning three hands in a row, Vinícius felt confident about the game.
win + a hand — winning a round of play
At the end, the player with the strongest hand takes all the chips.
Iris sorted her hand by suit, putting all the hearts together on one side.
- a good hand
- a bad hand
- deal a hand
- play a hand
- show your hand
- a hand of poker
Grammar Patterns
have + a/the + hand
deal + hand
win/lose + a/the + hand
Usage Note
Only relevant in card game contexts. 'A hand' can refer either to the cards held by one player or to one complete round of play. The article 'a' or 'the' is almost always required.
Common Mistakes
4. the level of skill or natural ability a person has in using their hands to perfo
the level of skill or natural ability a person has in using their hands to perform a task well
The pottery teacher has a steady hand for shaping clay on the wheel.
have + a + adjective + hand for — describing manual skill
Saira has a good hand at drawing animals and often sketches in her notebook.
have + a good hand at — natural ability for a task
You need a steady hand to perform surgery on tiny blood vessels.
The old carpenter's hand for detailed carving made each chair one of a kind.
possessive + hand for — someone's particular skill
- a steady hand
- a good hand
- a light hand
- a sure hand
- hand for woodwork
- hand at carving
Grammar Patterns
have + a + adjective + hand + for/at + noun/gerund
Usage Note
Often appears in phrases with an adjective: 'a steady hand', 'a good hand', 'a light hand'. The skill is always manual or physical — not used for intellectual or academic ability.
Common Mistakes
5. help or assistance, especially with physical work that requires some effort
help or assistance, especially with physical work that requires some effort
Could you give me a hand with moving this sofa to the other room?
give + someone + a hand — offer assistance
The neighbours all lent a hand to clear the fallen tree from the road.
lend + a hand — help with physical work
Eitan asked his sister for a hand with carrying the grocery bags upstairs.
The new volunteer offered a hand with washing the dishes after the meal.
- give a hand
- lend a hand
- need a hand
- offer a hand
- a hand with something
- help
more general and neutral in register; 'a hand' is slightly more informal
- assistance
more formal than 'a hand'; used in official or workplace contexts
Grammar Patterns
give + someone + a hand
lend + someone + a hand
need + a hand
Usage Note
The indefinite article 'a' is required in the fixed phrases 'give a hand' and 'lend a hand'. This sense is not used in formal writing — use 'assist' or 'help' instead.
Common Mistakes
6. someone whose job involves physical labour, for instance on a farm, in a factory
someone whose job involves physical labour, for instance on a farm, in a factory, or aboard a ship
The farm hired several extra hands to help with the apple harvest this year.
extra + hands — temporary workers for a specific task
Nicholas started work as a hand on a cargo ship at the age of twenty.
a hand on + [place] — worker at a specific location
The factory needs more hands to keep up with the growing number of orders.
Mr. Lien was the best hand on the ranch and knew every tool in the shed.
the best hand — most skilled worker in a place
- farm hand
- factory hand
- hired hand
- deck hand
- extra hand
- all hands on deck
Grammar Patterns
noun + hand (farm hand, factory hand)
hand + on/in + place
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 — this sense refers to the person, not the body part. Often used with a modifier: 'farm hand', 'factory hand', 'deck hand'. The plural 'hired hands' treats workers as a group.
Common Mistakes
7. a person who works on a ship as part of its crew
a person who works on a ship as part of its crew
The old hand showed the new sailors how to tie the ropes correctly.
collocation: old hand (experienced sailor)
Captain Mendez thanked all hands for their hard work during the long voyage.
all hands (entire crew)
Daichi signed on as a hand on a fishing boat heading to the North Sea.
The experienced hands taught the young crew members how to read the wind.
- old hand
- all hands
- every hand
- sailor
more general term for anyone who works on a ship
- crew member
neutral term, not exclusive to ships
- seaman
formal or official term for a ship worker
Usage Note
Often paired with 'old' (an old hand = an experienced sailor) or 'all' (all hands = the entire crew). Most common in nautical contexts, though 'old hand' can extend to any experienced worker in a field.
Common Mistakes
8. how much someone or something is involved in what happens, or the effect they ha
how much someone or something is involved in what happens, or the effect they have on it
It is believed that Ravindra had a hand in organising the community festival.
have a hand in (be involved in)
The investigation showed that no one in the company had a hand in the mistake.
Yael had no hand in the decision to close the school.
have no hand in (not involved)
Historians still debate the degree of the general's hand in the political changes.
- had a hand in
- no hand in
- a hand in
- involvement
neutral term; more formal than 'hand'
- role
emphasises the part played
- participation
more formal; suggests active joining in
- influence
emphasises the effect on the outcome
Grammar Patterns
have a hand in something
have no hand in something
Usage Note
Frequently used in the fixed phrase 'have a hand in something' (be involved) or 'have no hand in something' (not be involved). Subject is usually a person, group, or organisation.
Common Mistakes
9. the action of striking the palms together repeatedly to show enjoyment or approv
the action of striking the palms together repeatedly to show enjoyment or approval, especially after a performance
The audience gave the pianist a big hand after his final piece.
give someone a big hand (applaud someone)
Let us give a big hand to the volunteers who made this event possible.
The children's choir received a warm hand from their proud parents.
receive a warm hand (get applause)
Esme got a huge hand for her solo performance at the school concert.
- big hand
- warm hand
- huge hand
- give a hand
- get a hand
- applause
more formal; same meaning
- round of applause
more explicit; commonly used in the same contexts
- clapping
describes the action itself rather than the reception
Grammar Patterns
give someone a (big) hand
get a (big) hand
Usage Note
Always used in the singular with an adjective (a big hand, a warm hand). Refers to sustained group applause, not a single clap. Common in show business and public-speaking contexts.
Common Mistakes
10. the particular style in which a person writes letters and words by hand
the particular style in which a person writes letters and words by hand
Théo's hand is very neat and easy for the teacher to read.
somebody's hand (handwriting style)
I recognised my grandmother's hand on the envelope immediately when it arrived.
The letter was written in a small, elegant hand that I did not know.
in a [adj.] hand (written in a style)
Élise's hand has become harder to read as she has grown older.
The note was written in a shaky hand, as if the writer was very nervous.
- neat hand
- shaky hand
- elegant hand
- in somebody's hand
- handwriting
more direct and common; preferred in modern English
- script
focuses on the style of joined-up writing
- penmanship
formal; refers to the skill of writing by hand
Grammar Patterns
somebody's hand
in somebody's hand
Usage Note
Typically used with a possessive adjective (my hand, his hand) or 'in + adjective + hand' (in a neat hand). Commonly used to recognise whose writing something is. 'Hand' in this sense is always singular.
11. a unit used to measure how tall a horse is from the ground to the highest point
a unit used to measure how tall a horse is from the ground to the highest point of its shoulder, equal to four inches or about ten centimetres
The pony measured fourteen hands high at the shoulder.
number + hands high (height measurement)
Hassan's new horse stands sixteen hands tall and is very gentle with children.
A horse that is fifteen hands is considered a good size for riding.
The veterinarian recorded the foal's height at twelve hands in her notes.
recorded at number + hands
The buyer asked the seller how many hands the Arabian mare measured at the shoulder.
- hands high
- hands tall
- measured in hands
Grammar Patterns
number + hands (adjective)
number + hands high
Usage Note
Exclusively used to measure horses and similar equines. One hand = 4 inches (10.16 cm). Always plural with numbers ("fifteen hands", not "fifteen hand"). The word 'high' or 'tall' often follows the number ("fifteen hands high").
Common Mistakes
12. one of two opposing views or positions in a discussion, or one particular aspect
one of two opposing views or positions in a discussion, or one particular aspect of a situation
On one hand the flat is big, but on the other the rent is high.
on the one hand... on the other hand (contrasting points)
Aisha saw difficulties on every hand and did not know where to start fixing them.
On the one hand the new train is faster, but on the other hand it costs more.
Ravindra examined every hand of the debate before forming his opinion.
on every hand (from all sides / every aspect)
Parents on every hand complained about the changes to the school schedule.
- on the one hand
- on the other hand
- on every hand
- side
more direct; works in the same contexts
- aspect
broader; refers to any feature, not necessarily opposing
- point of view
focuses on the perspective rather than the position
Grammar Patterns
on the one hand... on the other hand...
on every hand
Usage Note
Most common in the fixed expression 'on the one hand ... on the other hand' for contrasting two points. 'On every hand' (from all sides / in every respect) is less common but still used in formal or literary English. Not used in the plural to mean 'hands of an issue'.
Common Mistakes
all hands on deck
idiomEveryone must help, especially in a difficult situation.
With the deadline approaching, it's all hands on deck at the office.
When the kitchen got busy, the manager called all hands on deck.
(close/near) at hand
idiomClose to you in time or distance.
The finish line is close at hand, so keep running.
Maya always keeps a dictionary near at hand when she reads.
If you experience something at the hands of someone, they cause it.
The villagers suffered greatly at the hands of the invaders.
He received harsh treatment at the hands of his captors.
To be skilled at making or repairing things with your hands.
Diego is good with his hands and built a bookshelf last weekend.
My grandmother is good with her hands and knits beautiful sweaters.
To tie someone's hands and feet so they cannot move or escape.
The kidnappers bound the guard hand and foot.
In the movie, the hero was tied hand and foot to a chair.
It is better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by trying to get more.
Sara decided to accept the job offer, knowing a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
He chose the guaranteed profit over a risky investment, remembering that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
To harm someone who has helped or supported you.
Criticizing your boss publicly is like biting the hand that feeds you.
He bit the hand that fed him by spreading rumors about his mentor.
by hand
idiomDone by a person rather than a machine.
The artisan painted the vase by hand.
Delicate clothes should be washed by hand to avoid damage.
cash in hand
idiomPayment made in cash, often to avoid paying tax on the amount.
The plumber offered a discount if we paid cash in hand.
She prefers cash in hand jobs to avoid declaring income.
change hands
idiomTo pass from one owner to another.
The antique shop has changed hands three times in ten years.
This painting changed hands for a record price at auction.
close at hand
idiomNearby and easy to reach.
There are several supermarkets close at hand.
Keep a first aid kit close at hand in case of emergencies.
An influence that controls or limits something in a negative way.
The dead hand of bureaucracy slows down innovation.
We need to escape the dead hand of outdated regulations.
People who have nothing to do often get into trouble.
After school, the kids joined a club because the devil makes work for idle hands.
My mother always said the devil makes work for idle hands, so she kept us busy.
To trust someone completely and be willing to do what they say.
The charismatic leader had the audience eating out of his hand.
With her charm, she soon had the committee eating out of her hand.
To become controlled by someone.
The secret documents must not fall into enemy hands.
After the takeover, the company fell into the hands of a foreign conglomerate.
a firm hand
idiomStrong control or discipline.
The new teacher uses a firm hand to manage the class.
Some children need a firm hand to learn good behavior.
(at) first hand
idiomBy experiencing something yourself rather than being told about it.
The journalist reported the war at first hand from the front line.
I learned about the culture first hand during my travels.
fold your hands
idiomTo bring or hold your hands together.
She folded her hands on the table and waited patiently.
During the prayer, everyone folded their hands and closed their eyes.
To make someone do something they do not want to do, or do it sooner than intended.
The union threatened to strike to force the management's hand.
By leaking the information, they forced his hand to resign.
To get an advantage over someone so that you are in control.
After a long struggle, the rebels gained the upper hand.
In negotiations, she always manages to get the upper hand.
get your hands dirty
idiomTo do physical work.
The CEO isn't afraid to get his hands dirty on the factory floor.
Gardening is a great way to get your hands dirty and relax.
To have the freedom to do what you want and make your own decisions.
The designer was given a free hand to create the new logo.
As project manager, she has a free hand to choose her team.
To show approval by clapping; to be applauded.
Let's give a big hand to our guest speaker tonight.
The performer got a big hand from the audience.
To help someone.
Could you lend a helping hand with these boxes?
Neighbors often give a helping hand when someone is sick.
To ask someone for something, especially money, in a very polite way that makes you seem less important.
He had to go cap in hand to his parents for a loan.
The charity went cap in hand to the government for funding.
Permission to marry someone, especially a woman.
He asked her father for her hand in marriage.
Traditionally, a suitor would request a woman's hand from her family.
Working closely with someone, often in a secret or illegal way.
The corrupt official was hand in glove with the smugglers.
The two companies worked hand in glove to fix prices.
hand in hand
idiomHolding each other's hand.
The couple walked hand in hand along the beach.
Poverty and poor health often go hand in hand.
hands down
idiomEasily and without any doubt.
She won the race hands down.
This is hands down the best pizza in town.
Used to tell someone not to touch something or someone.
Get your hands off my laptop!
She warned her little brother to keep his hands off her toys.
hands up!
idiomUsed to tell a group to raise one hand if they know the answer.
Hands up if you have finished your homework.
The teacher said, 'Hands up if you know the capital of France.'
To be responsible for someone's death.
The dictator has the blood of thousands on his hands.
The driver who caused the accident has blood on his hands.
have your hands full
idiomTo be very busy or too busy to do something else.
With three young kids, she has her hands full.
The manager has his hands full dealing with the crisis.
have your hands tied
idiomTo be unable to do what you want because of rules or promises.
I'd like to help, but my hands are tied by company policy.
The judge's hands were tied by the strict sentencing guidelines.
To have complete control or influence over someone.
The charismatic speaker had the audience in the palm of his hand.
She has her boss in the palm of her hand and gets whatever she wants.
To have nothing to do or be not busy.
After retirement, he had a lot of time on his hands.
We had time to kill before the flight, so we explored the airport.
To be in a position of power or control over someone or something.
In the negotiation, the buyer held the whip hand.
The manager has the whip hand over the team's schedule.
heavy hand
idiomA way of doing something that is too strong and not sensitive enough.
The heavy hand of the government stifled creativity.
His heavy hand in discipline made the students resentful.
hold somebody’s hand
idiomTo give someone support in a difficult situation.
The mentor held her hand through the entire project.
Do you want me to come along and hold your hand during the meeting?
To admit that you have made a mistake or are responsible for something bad.
He held his hands up and admitted he was wrong.
The company put its hands up to the accounting error.
Being taken care of by someone you trust.
I left the project in your capable hands.
The children are in safe hands with their grandparents.
in hand
idiomIf you have time or money in hand, it is left and available to use.
We finished the task with two hours in hand.
She still has some savings in hand after the renovation.
Being taken care of or controlled by someone.
The matter is now in the hands of the lawyers.
The castle was in enemy hands during the war.
Being taken care of well by someone.
I've left the kids in safe hands with my parents.
The patient is in the safe hands of the specialist.
A way of treating people severely, sometimes hidden behind a kind appearance.
The manager rules with an iron fist in a velvet glove.
The general promised to strike with an iron hand at any resistance.
Used to say that you are too busy to do anything else.
Can you help? I've only got one pair of hands!
Stop asking me to do more; I've only got one pair of hands.
If two people join hands, they hold each other's hands.
The children joined hands and formed a circle.
The two companies joined hands to develop new technology.
keep your hand in
idiomTo occasionally do something you used to do a lot so you don't lose skill.
She retired but still teaches a class to keep her hand in.
He plays chess online to keep his hand in.
To be very familiar with someone or something.
I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand.
She knows the company's procedures inside out.
To catch someone you are annoyed with.
Wait till I get my hands on the person who stole my bike!
If I ever lay my hands on him, he'll be sorry.
To find or get something.
I need to get my hands on a copy of that book.
Can you lay your hands on a screwdriver?
To spend all the money you earn on basic needs without saving any.
Many families in the area live from hand to mouth.
After losing his job, he lived hand to mouth for months.
To make or lose money very fast and in large amounts.
The new business is making money hand over fist.
During the recession, he lost money hand over fist.
A job is easier if many people help.
Let's all help clean up; many hands make light work.
The volunteers finished quickly because many hands make light work.
not do a hand’s turn
idiomTo do no work at all.
He hasn't done a hand's turn all week.
She sat around all day and didn't do a hand's turn.
To do nothing to help someone.
The children never lift a finger to help around the house.
He didn't raise a hand to assist his colleague.
offer your hand
idiomTo hold out your hand for someone to shake.
He offered his hand and introduced himself.
She offered her hand in friendship.
off your hands
idiomNo longer your responsibility.
Once the report is submitted, it's off my hands.
She was glad to get the project off her hands.
on either/every hand
idiomOn both or all sides; in all directions.
Mist curled from the water on either hand.
On every hand, there were signs of spring.
on hand
idiomAvailable, especially to help.
The medical team was on hand to treat injuries.
Extra staff will be on hand during the event.
on your hands
idiomIf you have someone or something on your hands, you are responsible for dealing with them.
With three kids on her hands, she has little free time.
They'll have a problem on their hands if they don't fix the issue.
Used to introduce different points of view, especially opposites.
On the one hand, the job pays well; on the other hand, it's very stressful.
On the one hand, I want to travel; on the other, I need to save money.
out of hand
idiomDifficult or impossible to control.
The situation is getting out of hand.
The party got out of hand and the police were called.
out of your hands
idiomNo longer your responsibility.
The decision is out of my hands now.
Once the case goes to court, it's out of your hands.
overplay your hand
idiomTo fail because you think your position is stronger than it really is.
He overplayed his hand in the negotiation and lost the deal.
The union overplayed its hand by demanding too much.
a pair of hands
idiomA person who can do a job.
We need an extra pair of hands for the event.
She's a good pair of hands in the kitchen.
To do what an enemy or opponent wants, giving them an advantage.
By reacting angrily, you play into his hands.
The company's mistake played into the hands of its competitors.
To spend money or give it to someone.
He's always reluctant to put his hand in his pocket.
The charity asked everyone to put their hand in their pocket.
Easily controlled or influenced by another person.
She can persuade him easily; he's like putty in her hands.
The child was putty in the teacher's hands.
To hit or threaten to hit someone.
He would never raise a hand against his children.
She raised her hand to strike him but stopped.
a safe pair of hands
idiomA person you can trust to do a job well.
Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands.
The company needs a safe pair of hands to lead the project.
By being told about something by someone else, not by experiencing it yourself.
I heard the news at second hand from a friend.
She learned about the accident third hand and got the details wrong.
show your hand/cards
idiomTo make your plans or intentions known.
He didn't show his hand until the last moment.
In negotiations, it's risky to show your cards too early.
a show of hands
idiomA way of voting by raising hands.
The decision was made by a show of hands.
Let's have a show of hands: who wants to go first?
stay your hand
idiomTo stop yourself from doing something.
He was about to strike, but prudence stayed his hand.
She stayed her hand just before pressing the button.
To make yourself do something you are afraid of.
Taking her courage in both hands, she asked for a promotion.
He took his courage in both hands and jumped into the water.
To deal with someone strictly to improve their behavior.
The new coach took the team in hand and improved their discipline.
She decided to take her son in hand and set clear rules.
To deal with a situation yourself because you are not happy with how others are dealing with it.
Frustrated with the slow response, she took the matter into her own hands.
The residents took security into their own hands after the burglaries.
To do something illegal to punish someone instead of letting the police deal with them.
The community was warned not to take the law into their own hands.
After the theft, the victim took the law into his own hands and confronted the thief.
To risk being killed.
Crossing that busy road is taking your life in your hands.
He took his life in his hands by climbing the dangerous cliff.
throw your hand in
idiomTo stop doing something, especially because you are not successful.
After losing several games, he threw his hand in.
She threw her hand in and quit the project.
throw up your hands
idiomTo raise both hands in the air to show annoyance or upset.
She threw up her hands in despair when the computer crashed.
He threw up his hands and said, 'I give up!'
to hand
idiomThat you can reach or get easily.
I don't have the report to hand right now.
Keep a pen and paper to hand for notes.
To do something for the first time.
She decided to try her hand at painting.
He tried his hand at cooking and made a delicious meal.
To start doing something, especially when you do it well.
Jim can turn his hand to most household repairs.
She turned her hand to writing and published a novel.
To take care of someone's needs so well they don't have to do anything for themselves.
He expects his wife to wait on him hand and foot.
The hotel staff waited on the guests hand and foot.
To refuse to be responsible for or involved with someone or something.
After the argument, she washed her hands of him.
The company washed its hands of the failed project.
To win something very easily.
Our team won the match hands down.
She won the competition hands down.
To press someone's hand very hard when shaking hands.
He wrung my hand enthusiastically when we met.
She wrung his hand in a firm grip.
wring your hands
idiomTo hold and twist your hands together, showing anxiety or upset.
She wrung her hands nervously as she waited for news.
The manager wrung his hands over the budget crisis.
hand — idiom
1. a reference to (Billings) Learned Hand (1872–1961), one of the most respected Am
a reference to (Billings) Learned Hand (1872–1961), one of the most respected American judges in US history, whose legal writings on free speech and judicial power continue to shape modern court decisions.
For her constitutional law seminar, Camila studied three key rulings by Learned Hand.
proper name referring to the judge Learned Hand
Professor Hassan quoted Learned Hand's famous words about the spirit of liberty.
The university library owns a rare collection of letters written by Learned Hand.
When writing her thesis, Amira compared Learned Hand's judicial philosophy with that of Oliver Wendell Holmes.
compared [person A]'s [thing] with [person B]'s [thing]
In law school textbooks, Learned Hand is often cited in discussions about free speech and democracy.
passive: is cited in discussions about [topic]
Usage Note
This is not a common idiom — it is a biographical reference to the American judge Learned Hand, whose surname is the word 'hand'. His opinions and writings appear frequently in US law textbooks and court citations.
hand — adverb
1. done by using the hands to create, make, or finish something, instead of using a
done by using the hands to create, make, or finish something, instead of using a machine or tool that does the work automatically.
Grandma Soraya knitted this sweater by hand for her grandson's birthday.
collocation: by hand — done manually
The clay pots were shaped by hand before being fired in the kiln.
passive structure: were shaped by hand
Quan's hand-knitted sweater took him three months to finish.
hand- prefix + past participle compound
Aylin bought a hand-carved wooden bowl at the local weekend market.
The wedding invitations were hand-delivered to each guest's home.
hand- prefix modifying past participle in passive
- by hand
- hand-made
- hand-written
- hand-carved
- hand-delivered
- hand-knitted
- hand-sewn
- manually
more formal; can refer to any non-automated process, not only hand use
- by manual labor
emphasises physical effort rather than skill or craftsmanship
- by machine
the direct opposite — using a mechanical device instead of hands
- automatically
broader opposite covering any self-operating process
Grammar Patterns
by hand
hand-[past participle] (hand-made, hand-written)
Usage Note
This adverb most commonly appears in the phrase 'by hand' or as the prefix 'hand-' attached to a past participle. The 'hand-' prefix usually takes a hyphen when joined to a past participle, though some long-established compounds (handmade, handwritten) are written as single words without a hyphen.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- handyadjectiveB1
- handfulnounB1
- handilyadverbB2
- handedadjectiveB1
- handlessadjectiveC1
- handwritingnounA2
- handwrittenadjectiveB1
- handmadeadjectiveB1
- handheldadjectiveB2
- handshakenounA2
- handiworknounC1
- handymannounB1
- handoutnounB2
- handovernounB2
- unhandverbC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
While 'hand' refers to the whole body part at the end of the arm (fingers, thumb, and palm together), each related word picks out a specific part or function. 'Palm' refers only to the flat inner surface — you can have dirt on your palm without it being on your whole hand. 'Fist' is the hand with fingers curled tightly inward, used for punching or gripping firmly. 'Paw' is primarily an animal's foot, though it can be used humorously or informally for a human hand ('get your paws off my phone'). 'Mitt' is informal slang for a hand, especially a large or clumsy one, or a padded glove for baseball. 'Grip' differs from all of these — it is not the body part but the action or strength of holding ('His grip was so strong it hurt'). For learners, the most common confusion is between 'hand' and 'palm': use 'palm' only when the context calls for the inner surface (reading palms, having something in your palm), and 'hand' for everything else.
Common collocations
Nouns
- hand cream
- hand signal
- hand gesture
- hand towel
- hand soap
Adverbs
- first-hand
- second-hand
- hand in hand
Phrases
- all hands on deck
- hand over fist
- out of hand
- on the one hand... on the other hand
- in the hands of
Etymology
The word 'hand' comes from Old English 'hand, hond,' which traces back to Proto-Germanic *handuz. It is related to Dutch 'hand,' German 'Hand,' and Old Norse 'hönd.' The ultimate origin is uncertain, though some scholars connect it to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp.' The word has maintained a similar form and core meaning across more than a thousand years of English, while developing a remarkably wide range of figurative senses — from clock pointers to card games to units of horse height.