hand

¹ American

[hand] / hænd /

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.
side; direction.

There's no traffic on either hand of the road.
style of handwriting; penmanship.

She wrote in a beautiful hand.

Synonyms:

longhand, calligraphy, script
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.
1. the cards dealt to or held by each player at one time.
2. the person holding the cards.
3. 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
1. to take in or furl (a sail).
2. 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
1. to deliver (the decision of a court).
  
  The jury handed down a verdict of guilty.
2. 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
1. to deliver into the custody of another.
  
  Hand your wallet over now!
2. 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.

idioms

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,
1. to be unenthusiastic or unappreciative; fail to applaud.
  
  It was a lively show, but the audience sat on its hands.
2. to take no action; be passive or hesitant.
  
  While he was being beaten, the others sat on their hands.
take in hand,
1. to undertake responsibility for; assume charge.
  
  When both parents died, an uncle took the youngster in hand.
2. 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,
1. beyond control.
  
  to let one's temper get out of hand.
2. without delay; at once.
  
  The crisis obliged him to act out of hand.
3. no longer in process; finished.
  
  The case has been out of hand for some time.
4. without consideration or deliberation.
  
  to reject a proposal out of hand.
on hand,
1. in one's possession; at one's disposal.
  
  cash on hand.
2. about to occur; imminent.
  
  A change of government may be on hand.
3. present.
  
  There were not enough members on hand to constitute a quorum.
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,
1. under control.
  
  He kept the situation well in hand.
2. in one's possession.
  
  cash in hand.
3. in the process of consideration or settlement.
  
  regarding the matter in hand.
at hand,
1. within reach; nearby; close by.
2. near in time; soon.
3. ready for use.
  
  We keep a supply of canned goods at hand.
lay one's hands on,
1. to obtain; acquire.
  
  I wish I could lay my hands on a good used piano.
2. to seize, especially in order to punish.
  
  He wanted to lay his hands on the person who had backed into his car.
3. to impose the hands in a ceremonial fashion, as in ordination.
  
  The bishop laid hands on the candidates.
tip one's hand, to reveal one's plans or intentions before the propitious time.
come to hand,
1. to come within one's reach or notice.
  
  He was moved to tears when his father's old journal came to hand.
2. to be received; arrive.
  
  The spring stock came to hand last week.
on all hands, Also on every hand
1. by everyone; universally.
  
  It was decided on all hands to take an excursion.
2. 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,
1. with one's hand enclasped in that of another person.
2. 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,
1. out of one's charge or care.
  
  Now, with their children grown and off their hands, they will be free to travel.
2. successfully completed; finished.
  
  The lawyer planned a vacation as soon as the case was off his hands.
with a heavy hand,
1. with severity; oppressively.
  
  The law will punish offenders with a heavy hand.
2. 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,
1. effortlessly; easily.
  
  He won the championship hands down.
2. 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,
1. within reach; accessible or nearby.
2. into one's possession.
  
  A search of the attic brought some valuable antiques to hand.
hand and foot,
1. so as to hinder movement.
  
  They tied him hand and foot.
2. 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.

Hand ² American

[hand] / hænd /

noun

Learned 1872–1961, U.S. jurist.

hand ¹ British

/ hænd /

noun

1. the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm
2. the bones of this part
the corresponding or similar part in animals
something resembling this in shape or function
1. the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game
2. a player holding such cards
3. 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
1. by manual rather than mechanical means
2. 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
1. in poverty
  
  living from hand to mouth
2. without preparation or planning
in all ways possible; completely

they waited on him hand and foot
in an intimate relationship or close association
1. together; jointly
2. 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
1. in possession
2. under control
3. receiving attention or being acted on
4. available for use; in reserve
5. 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
1. beyond control
2. without reservation or deeper examination
  
  he condemned him out of hand
1. to sign (a document)
2. 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)
1. of or involving the hand
  
  a hand grenade
2. made to be carried in or worn on the hand
  
  hand luggage
3. operated by hand
  
  a hand drill
(in combination) made by hand rather than by a machine

hand-sewn

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

HAND ² British

abbreviation

have a nice day

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hand More Idioms

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

Other Word Forms

handless adjective
handlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of hand

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch, German Hand, Old Norse hǫnd, Gothic handus

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

hand

noun

verb (used with object)

adjective

verb phrase

idioms

noun

noun

verb

abbreviation

More idioms and phrases containing hand

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hand

Related Words