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hand
1[hand]
noun
the terminal, prehensile part of the upper limb in humans and other primates, consisting of the wrist, metacarpal area, fingers, and thumb.
the terminal part of the forelimb in any of the higher vertebrates.
a terminal prehensile part, as the chela of a crustacean, or, in falconry, the foot of a falcon.
something resembling a hand in shape or function, as various types of pointers.
the hands of a clock.
Printing., index.
a person employed in manual labor or for general duties; worker; laborer.
a factory hand;
a ranch hand.
a person who performs or is capable of performing a specific work, skill, or action.
She's a real hand at geometry.
characteristic touch; skill; workmanship.
It's rare to find a painting that shows a master's hand as clearly as this one.
a person, with reference to ability or skill.
He was a poor hand at running a business.
a member of a ship's crew.
The ship had an able skipper and eight good hands.
Often hands possession or power; control, custody, or care.
It's a great responsibility to have someone's fate in your hands.
a position, especially one of control, used for bargaining, negotiating, etc..
We must take action to strengthen our hand.
means; agency; instrumentality.
The coroner ruled that the death was by his own hand.
active participation or cooperation; assistance; aid.
Give me a hand with this ladder.
There's no traffic on either hand of the road.
style of handwriting; penmanship.
She wrote in a beautiful hand.
a person's signature.
to set one's hand to a document.
a round or outburst of applause for a performer.
Let's all give a hand to the star of the show!
a promise or pledge, as of marriage.
He asked for her hand in marriage.
a linear measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially in determining the height of horses.
Cards.
the cards dealt to or held by each player at one time.
the person holding the cards.
a single part of a game, in which all the cards dealt at one time are played.
Roman Law., manus.
Manège., hands, skill at manipulating the reins of a horse.
To ride well, one must have good hands.
a bunch, cluster, or bundle of various leaves, fruit, etc., as a bundle of tobacco leaves tied together or a cluster of bananas.
Machinery., the deviation of a thread or tooth from the axial direction of a screw or gear, as seen from one end looking away toward the other.
Building Trades.
the position of the hinges of a door, in terms of right and left, as seen from outside the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.
the position of the hinges of a casement sash, in terms of right and left, from inside the window.
Also called handle. the fabric properties that can be sensed by touching the material, as resilience, smoothness, or body.
the smooth hand of satin.
Archaic., a person considered as a source, as of information or of supply.
verb (used with object)
to deliver or pass with or as if with the hand.
to help, assist, guide, etc., with the hand.
He handed the elderly woman across the street.
Nautical.
to take in or furl (a sail).
to haul on or otherwise handle.
adjective
of, belonging to, using, or used by the hand.
made by hand.
carried in or worn on the hand.
operated by hand; manual.
a hand brake.
verb phrase
hand on, to transmit; pass on to a successor, posterity, etc..
The silver service was handed on to the eldest daughter of the family.
hand down
to deliver (the decision of a court).
The jury handed down a verdict of guilty.
to transmit from one to another, especially to bequeath to posterity.
The ring had been handed down from her grandmother.
hand in, to submit; present for acceptance.
She handed in her term paper after the deadline.
He handed his resignation in yesterday.
hand over
to deliver into the custody of another.
Hand your wallet over now!
to surrender control of.
He handed over his business to his children.
hand out, to give or distribute; pass out.
People were handing out leaflets on every corner.
hand off, to hand the ball to a member of one's team in the course of a play.
Hand
2[hand]
noun
Learned 1872–1961, U.S. jurist.
hand
1/ hænd /
noun
the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm
the bones of this part
the corresponding or similar part in animals
something resembling this in shape or function
the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game
a player holding such cards
one round of a card game
agency or influence
the hand of God
a part in something done
he had a hand in the victory
assistance
to give someone a hand with his work
a pointer on a dial, indicator, or gauge, esp on a clock
the minute hand
acceptance or pledge of partnership, as in marriage
he asked for her hand
he gave me his hand on the merger
a position or direction indicated by its location to the side of an object or the observer
on the right hand
on every hand
a contrastive aspect, condition, etc (in the phrases on the one hand, on the other hand )
(preceded by an ordinal number) source or origin
a story heard at third hand
a person, esp one who creates something
a good hand at painting
a labourer or manual worker
we've just taken on a new hand at the farm
a member of a ship's crew
all hands on deck
printing another name for index
a person's handwriting
the letter was in his own hand
a round of applause
give him a hand
ability or skill
a hand for woodwork
a manner or characteristic way of doing something
the hand of a master
a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers
a cluster or bundle, esp of bananas
a shoulder of pork
one of the two possible mirror-image forms of an asymmetric object, such as the direction of the helix in a screw thread
freedom to do as desired
(usually used with a negative) a small amount of work
he hasn't done a hand's turn
tyranny, persecution, or oppression
he ruled with a heavy hand
an oppressive or dictatorial manner
very near or close, esp in time
from
the acts of kindness received at their hands
by manual rather than mechanical means
by messenger or personally
the letter was delivered by hand
to become available; be received
to force someone to act
from one person to another
in poverty
living from hand to mouth
without preparation or planning
in all ways possible; completely
they waited on him hand and foot
in an intimate relationship or close association
together; jointly
clasping each other's hands
steadily and quickly; with rapid progress
he makes money hand over fist
to stop or postpone a planned action or punishment
to support, help, or guide someone, esp by giving sympathy or moral support
in possession
under control
receiving attention or being acted on
available for use; in reserve
with deferred payment
he works a week in hand
to continue or practise
to help
close by; present
I'll be on hand to help you
beyond control
without reservation or deeper examination
he condemned him out of hand
to sign (a document)
to start (a task or undertaking)
to reveal one's stand, opinion, or plans
to discipline; control
See throw in
accessible
to attempt to do something
(modifier)
of or involving the hand
a hand grenade
made to be carried in or worn on the hand
hand luggage
operated by hand
a hand drill
(in combination) made by hand rather than by a machine
hand-sewn
verb
to transmit or offer by the hand or hands
to help or lead with the hand
nautical to furl (a sail)
to give credit to someone
HAND
2abbreviation
have a nice day
Other Word Forms
- handlike adjective
- handless adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of hand1
Word History and Origins
Origin of hand1
Idioms and Phrases
change hands, to pass from one owner to another; change possession.
The property has changed hands several times in recent years.
hands up! hold your hands above your head! give up!
hands off! don't touch, strike, or interfere! keep away from!.
Hands off my laptop!
from hand to hand, from one person to another; through successive ownership or possession.
The legendary jewel went from hand to hand.
sit on one's hands,
to be unenthusiastic or unappreciative; fail to applaud.
It was a lively show, but the audience sat on its hands.
to take no action; be passive or hesitant.
While he was being beaten, the others sat on their hands.
take in hand,
to undertake responsibility for; assume charge.
When both parents died, an uncle took the youngster in hand.
to deal with; treat of.
We'll take the matter in hand at the next meeting.
join hands, to unite in a common cause; combine.
The democracies must join hands in order to survive.
hand to hand, in direct combat; at close quarters.
The troops fought hand to hand.
force one's hand, to prompt a person to take immediate action or to reveal their intentions.
The criticism forced the governor's hand so that he had to declare his support of the tax bill.
throw up one's hands, to admit one's inadequacy, exasperation, or failure; despair.
When the general received reports of an enemy build-up, he threw up his hands.
on the other hand, from another side or aspect; conversely.
It was an unfortunate experience, but, on the other hand, one can learn from one's mistakes.
lend / give a hand, to lend assistance; help out.
Lend a hand and we'll finish the job in no time.
have a hand in, to have a share in; participate in.
It is impossible that she could have had a hand in this notorious crime.
on / upon one's hands, under one's care or management; as one's responsibility.
He was left with a large surplus on his hands.
have one's hands full, to have a large or excessive amount of work to handle; be constantly busy.
The personnel department has its hands full trying to process the growing number of applications.
out of hand,
beyond control.
to let one's temper get out of hand.
without delay; at once.
The crisis obliged him to act out of hand.
no longer in process; finished.
The case has been out of hand for some time.
without consideration or deliberation.
to reject a proposal out of hand.
on hand,
give one's hand on / upon, to give one's word; seal a bargain by or as if by shaking hands.
He said the goods would be delivered within a month and gave them his hand on it.
at the hand / hands of, by the action of; through the agency of.
They suffered at the hands of their stepfather.
all hands on deck. all hands on deck. Sometimes all hands
lift a hand, to exert any effort: Also lift a finger
She wouldn't lift a hand to help anyone.
hand over fist, speedily; increasingly.
He owns a chain of restaurants and makes money hand over fist.
at first hand. firsthand.
hand it to, to give just credit to; pay respect to.
You have to hand it to her for getting the work out.
shake hands, to clasp another's hand in greeting, congratulation, or agreement.
They shook hands on the proposed partnership.
with a high hand, in an arrogant or dictatorial manner; arbitrarily.
He ran the organization with a high hand.
at second hand. second hand.
in hand,
under control.
He kept the situation well in hand.
in one's possession.
cash in hand.
in the process of consideration or settlement.
regarding the matter in hand.
at hand,
within reach; nearby; close by.
near in time; soon.
ready for use.
We keep a supply of canned goods at hand.
lay one's hands on,
tip one's hand, to reveal one's plans or intentions before the propitious time.
come to hand,
to come within one's reach or notice.
He was moved to tears when his father's old journal came to hand.
to be received; arrive.
The spring stock came to hand last week.
on all hands, Also on every hand
by everyone; universally.
It was decided on all hands to take an excursion.
on every side; all around.
piercing glances on all hands.
eat out of one's hand, to be totally submissive to another; be very attentive or servile.
That spoiled brat has her parents eating out of her hand.
take a hand in, to take part in; participate in.
If the strike continues, the government will have to take a hand in the negotiations.
try one's hand (at), to test one's skill or aptitude for.
After becoming a successful painter, he decided to try his hand at sculpture.
keep one's hand in, to continue to practice: I just play enough golf to keep my hand in.
He turned the business over to his sons, but he keeps his hand in it.
I just play enough golf to keep my hand in.
hand in hand,
with one's hand enclasped in that of another person.
closely associated; concurrently; conjointly.
Doctors and nurses work hand in hand to save lives.
by hand, by using the hands, as opposed to machines; manually.
lace made by hand.
hold hands, to join hands with another person as a token of affection.
They have been seen holding hands in public.
wash one's hands of, to disclaim any further responsibility for; renounce interest in or support of.
I washed my hands of the entire affair.
off one's hands,
out of one's charge or care.
Now, with their children grown and off their hands, they will be free to travel.
successfully completed; finished.
The lawyer planned a vacation as soon as the case was off his hands.
with a heavy hand,
with severity; oppressively.
The law will punish offenders with a heavy hand.
in a clumsy manner; awkwardly; gracelessly.
The play was directed with a heavy hand.
hand in one's checks, cash.
from hand to mouth, improvidently; precariously; with nothing in reserve.
They looked forward to a time when they would no longer have to live from hand to mouth.
show one's hand, to disclose or display one's true intentions or motives.
The impending revolution forced him to show his hand.
tie one's hands, to render one powerless to act; thwart: Also have one's hands tied
The provisions of the will tied his hands.
hands down,
effortlessly; easily.
He won the championship hands down.
indisputably; incontestably.
It was hands down the best race I've ever seen.
hand and glove, very intimately associated: Also hand in glove
Several high-ranking diplomats were found to be hand and glove with enemy agents.
to hand,
within reach; accessible or nearby.
into one's possession.
A search of the attic brought some valuable antiques to hand.
hand and foot,
so as to hinder movement.
They tied him hand and foot.
slavishly and continually.
Cinderella had to wait on her stepsisters hand and foot.
turn / put one's hand to, to set to work at; busy oneself with.
He turned his hand successfully to gardening.
More idioms and phrases containing hand
- at first hand
- at hand
- at second hand
- at the hand of
- back of one's hand
- bare hands
- bird in the hand
- bite the hand that feeds you
- bound hand and foot
- by hand
- catch red-handed
- change hands
- clean hands
- cold hands, warm heart
- deal in (one a hand)
- dirty one's hands
- eat out of someone's hand
- feed (hand) someone a line
- force someone's hand
- free hand
- from hand to hand
- give a hand
- glad hand
- grease someone's palm (hand)
- hang heavy on one's hands
- hat in hand
- have a hand in
- have one's hands full
- heavy hand
- helping hand
- in good hands
- in hand
- in one's hands
- in the hands of
- iron hand
- keep one's hand in
- know like a book (the back of one's hand)
- lay hands on
- left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
- left-handed compliment
- lend a hand
- many hands make light work
- off one's hands
- on a platter, hand
- on hand
- on the one hand
- on the other hand
- out of control (hand)
- out of hand
- play into the hands of
- putty in someone's hands
- raise a hand against
- right-hand man
- rub one's hands
- shake hands
- show of hands
- show one's hand
- sit on one's hands
- sleight of hand
- take in hand
- take into one's hands
- take one's life (in one's hands)
- take the law into one's hands
- throw in one's hand
- throw up one's hands
- tie one's hands
- time on one's hands
- tip one's hand
- to hand
- try one's hand
- turn one's hand to
- upper hand
- wait on hand and foot
- wash one's hands of
- with one arm (hand) tied
Example Sentences
Knight, of The Crescent, Bolton-upon-Dearne, was handed a 20-month sentence suspended for two years along with 50 sessions of rehabilitation activity and must return to court for periodic reviews by the judge.
The following day, he attempted to kiss the girl, placed his hand on her thigh and became "visibly aroused" when asking her to kiss her friend.
Number eight Alex Matthews admitted she was taken aback to be handed the captaincy.
The Commission's fine is one of the largest fines it has handed down to tech companies accused of breaching its competition rules to date.
What does this cartoonist believe so strongly that he took the hours of effort it requires to make this piece of art by hand?
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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