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empty-handed
[ emp-tee-han-did ]
adjective
- having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work:
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
- having gained nothing:
to return from a quest empty-handed.
- bringing no gift, donation, etc.:
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
empty-handed
adjective
- carrying nothing in the hands
- having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Word History and Origins
Origin of empty-handed1
Example Sentences
The incidents ranged from officers using batons, spray gas, leg restraints, spit hoods, and empty-handed force.
They were heading home empty-handed when data from a previous day of exploration, which had originally been unreadable, was finally cleaned up.
First, it provides something of value to everyone who plays, even if all but one contestant walks away empty-handed.
And the prime minister did not come empty-handed.
Some left town for Midwest industrial towns, but came home empty-handed, and felt shame at that.
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