have a hand in

1. have or keep one's hand in . Be actively engaged or remain in practice doing something. For example, He works as stage manager, director, understudy—he has a hand in every aspect , or Write a few pages every day, just to keep your hand in . [Mid-1700s]

2. Also, take a hand in . Participate, be involved, as in I'd like to have a hand in planning the publicity . [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

The same commission will have a hand in selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury, possibly in early 2026.

From BBC

“He said, ‘Why do you want to be on camera reading the news when you could have a hand in shaping our community?’”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s an experience based on his life and his career so he had to have a hand in what’s told, how it’s told,” Rosenfeld said.

From Los Angeles Times

The meeting was expected at the airport, an option meant to be the least taxing for local law enforcement still reeling from the deaths but who would have a hand in securing the president’s trip.

From Seattle Times

The tactic was a way for Schiff, 63, to have a hand in choosing his preferred opponent, which generated a good deal of hand-wringing and commentary.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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