In this blog post, we’re diving into the world of hand idioms! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a special meaning all their own. Today, we’ll explore some common idioms that include the word “hand,” and you’ll learn what they really mean and how to use them.
Hand Idioms
Here are 20 hand idioms in English.
1. Hand in hand
Meaning: Closely associated
Example: We worked hand in hand to complete the project.
2. Hand over fist
Meaning: Making a lot of money quickly
Example: He’s making money hand over fist.
3. Hand to mouth
Meaning: Living with just enough money
Example: They live hand to mouth.
4. Second hand
Meaning: Previously owned by someone else
Example: She bought a second hand bike.
5. Upper hand
Meaning: Having control or advantage
Example: She gained the upper hand in the debate.
6. Hands down
Meaning: Easily, without much effort
Example: He won the race hands down.
7. Hand-me-down
Meaning: Used clothing passed on
Example: I wore my sister’s hand-me-downs.
8. Show of hands
Meaning: Raise hands to vote or express
Example: Let’s have a show of hands.
9. Hands are tied
Meaning: Unable to act freely
Example: My hands are tied in this situation.
10. Handful
Meaning: A small amount; often difficult
Example: She’s quite a handful to manage.
11. Hand in your notice
Meaning: To resign from a job
Example: He handed in his notice yesterday.
12. At hand
Meaning: Nearby; close in time
Example: Help is at hand.
13. Hand on heart
Meaning: To sincerely promise something
Example: Hand on heart, I didn’t do it.
14. Hand out
Meaning: To distribute
Example: She handed out the invitations.
15. Tip of the hand
Meaning: Indication or hint about something
Example: He never showed the tip of his hand.
16. Hand to hand
Meaning: Direct or close combat
Example: They fought hand to hand.
17. By hand
Meaning: Done manually, not by machine
Example: She knits everything by hand.
18. Out of hand
Meaning: Out of control
Example: The party got out of hand.
19. In hand
Meaning: Currently being considered or dealt with
Example: We have the situation in hand.
20. Wash one’s hands of
Meaning: To refuse to have further involvement
Example: I washed my hands of the whole affair.
