hand1 nounhand2 verb
handhand1 /hænd/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
WORD ORIGINhand1
Origin:
Old EnglishEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a hired hand
- Go wash your hands.
- the hour hand
- The letter was written in a neat hand.
- We played a couple of hands of poker.
- Even the town crier of nearby Faringdon was on hand to give an official reception.
- It was a lazy, almost careless gesture; only Caroline knew that the pressure of his hand was remorseless and proprietorial.
- My father looked at the wall, looked at his hands.
- She covers her face with her hand.
- Some one, I thought with illumination, who knew how easily Olympia had died from hands round the neck.
- The core, on the other hand, consists of divine goodness.
- The distinction between agreements under hand and covenants under seal has been largely obliterated.
Longman Language Activatorto have an advantage
to have something that makes you more likely to succeed than other people: · The American team seemed to have all the advantages - better training, better facilities, and much better financial support.have an advantage over: · The winning boxer had an advantage over his opponent because he was several pounds heavier.
if someone is at an advantage , they have experience or qualities which make them more likely to succeed in doing something or more likely to do something well: · Students with a strong math background will be at an advantage next year when the statistics course starts.be at an advantage over: · Children have several advantages over adults when it comes to learning another language.distinct advantage (=definite advantage): · Mitchell's height gives him a distinct advantage over the other players.
British /the odds are stacked in somebody's favor American used to say that someone has a big advantage in a competition, election etc so that they are very likely to win: · Everyone knows that you can't win at gambling because the odds are stacked in the dealer's favour.· The odds were stacked in the Labour Party's favour, so it was a great surprise when they were not elected.
to have a big advantage over others in a particular activity, especially because you started doing it before them: have a head start on: · The British have a head start on many other countries in areas such as genetic engineering. give somebody a head start: · Sending your children to nursery school clearly gives them a head start.
to have all the qualities that are likely to make you succeed in whatever you decide to do: · She was bright and pretty and had everything going for her.· Barry had everything going for him -- charm, looks, intelligence, but still he was unemployed.
to have an advantage over others because you are young, have a lot of experience etc: · He is a strong player but his opponent will have youth on his side.· With knowledge of the company on her side, she was more likely to get the job than any of the external candidates.
to have all the advantages in a particular situation so that you can control what happens: · It seemed that he held all the cards and that there was nothing she could do but say 'yes'.
to have more power than someone, especially someone who is fighting against you or who does not agree with you, so that you are likely to defeat them: · Although the rebels control areas in the south, the government still has the upper hand. have the upper hand against: · Police finally have the upper hand against the drug dealers in the area.
to be in a position where you have an advantage over someone and are likely to win, especially in discussions to get something from them: · The government claims that as long as they have nuclear weapons, they can negotiate from a position of strength.· At the end of the war, the US was in a strong position to influence the future of Europe.
busy use this to join two words or phrases when the second one has the opposite meaning to the first one, or when the second one is surprising after the first one, or when one is negative and one is positive: · I called but there was no one there.· He's short and not really handsome, but women still find him attractive.· They struggled in the first half, but still won 98-82.· She tried to read the message, but couldn't.· Tom's grandfather is over 80, but he still plays golf.· "Gone with the Wind' was a great movie, but it was a little long.· In the US it is normal for the police to carry guns, but not in Britain.
formal use this when saying something that is surprising after what you have just said, or that is very different from it: · It was a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· December saw a more than average rainfall; however, the possibility of a drought is still strong.· War is never welcome, nonetheless, I believe that we must defend our country.but nevertheless/nonetheless: · The leaves aren't particularly dangerous, but nevertheless they are not something you'd want your child or pet to eat.
use this at the beginning of a sentence when you have just mentioned one side of an argument or situation and you are going to mention the opposite side: · Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it's not safe.· The hamburger was tough and overcooked. The fries, on the other hand, were terrific, and well worth the money.but on the other hand: · You want to help your kids as much as you can, but on the other hand, you've got to be careful to help them learn on their own.
also mind you British spoken use this when you have just said one thing and you now want to say something very different about it, for example when you give an advantage and then a disadvantage: · Teaching is an interesting job. Then again, it can be very stressful too.· This trip is going to be very expensive. Still, we don't go away very often.· I'd love to travel around the world. Mind you, I wouldn't want to go on my own.· My parents are happy to lend me the money. All the same, I do feel guilty about it.
formal use this to introduce a fact that seems surprising after what you have just said: · The sun was shining, yet it was quite cold.· Last summer there was a drought, yet some people were still watering their lawns every day.
written use this to say that although something is true of one person, thing, or situation, it is not true of another: · Some house plants thrive if placed near a window with plenty of sunlight while others prefer to be in a more shaded spot.· American cars are generally too large for the Japanese market, whereas Japanese cars are popular in the US.
use this to introduce a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said less strong or definite: · Dan's been very ill, although he's better now.· I don't really like classical music, though I did enjoy that Pavarotti concert.· They're a very nice couple, although I very seldom see them these days.
use this at the end of a sentence to add a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said seem less important , or to add a different fact or opinion: · I think she's Swiss. I'm not sure, though.· George did say one nice thing, though.
use this to say that something is true in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned: · Try to run on a soft surface, such as grass. Even so, you may start having knee problems.but even so: · She had only seen Matthew Godden once before, but even so she recognized him instantly.· The fines for speeding are large, but even so, they are not always a deterrent.
spoken use this for introducing the reason why something is not possible: · I'd like to come and live here, only it's too expensive.· I would have asked them to stay with us, except we don't have enough room.
when you are not allowed or do not have the power to do something · "I really want to see that movie." "You can't. You're not old enough."can't/cannot do something · The manager can't fire you for being pregnant.· Members of the public cannot enter the building unless they have an identity card.· In those days a woman could not divorce her husband except in the most extreme cases.
use this when a law or rule does not allow someone to do something: · If you don't have a library card, you won't be able to borrow any books.· You won't be able to get back into the country without your passport.
to be unable to do something because your job does not give you the authority or right to do it: · It is not in her power to increase your salary, but she can recommend it.· Individual states do not have the power to declare war.
to be unable to do something because you do not have the authority or the moral right to do it: · The agency is not in a position to negotiate or make decisions.
if a problem or situation is out of someone's hands , they are no longer responsible for dealing with it because it has been taken over by someone with more power, or because it must now be decided according to the law: · The matter is out of our hands now - we'll just have to wait to see what the judge decides.· It's no longer in my hands, I'm afraid - I've sent a report about your son's behaviour to the police.
if someone's hands are tied they cannot do what they want because of particular conditions or rules made by someone else: · The company's hands are tied because of government regulations.· I'd like to help you, but you missed the deadline. I'm afraid my hands are tied.
unable to control or stop something because you do not have the power or legal right to do this: · The average citizen feels completely powerless faced with the rising tide of crime and violence.powerless to do something: · Although we all thought the decision was unfair, we were powerless to change it.powerless against: · Citizens imprisoned for their political beliefs are powerless against the government.
if you are ineligible to take part in something or to receive something, you do not have the legal right to do this: · Police found that many of the people on the list were ineligible voters.ineligible for: · People with higher incomes are ineligible for the government benefits.ineligible to do something: · Because he no longer lives in the district, he is ineligible to run for re-election.
what you say when you want someone to clap spoken if people give a performer a big hand , they clap at the end of their performance, to encourage them and to show their approval - use this especially to ask people to do this: · Let's give young Suzy a big hand for the marvellous dancing display!
spoken informal use this to tell people to clap in order to show that they have enjoyed something, or approve of someone: · Come on everyone, let's give it up for Tom Jones!
spoken use this to tell people to clap to show their approval for someone who is being introduced or a performance: · Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and give a warm welcome to Ricardo Montalban!
when you cannot control something to no longer be able to control a situation, vehicle, group of people etc: · The car skidded on the ice, and I lost control.lose control of: · She felt as if she was losing control of her children.· O'Connor recently lost control of the company he had run for seven years.
a situation that is out of control has got much worse and can no longer be controlled: · The fire was out of control.· Teenage crime was now out of control.get out of control: · It's easy to let spending on credit cards get out of control.
if something, especially a situation, gets out of hand , it gets so serious or difficult that it can no longer be controlled: · The costs have continued to increase, and now seem to be getting out of hand.· Police were called in when the situation began to get out of hand.
a situation or force that is beyond your control is one that you are not able to control, especially if someone else is controlling it or because no one can control it: · Some of the kids there were beyond any teacher's control.circumstances beyond our control (=a situation that we cannot control): · Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel tonight's performance of "Carmen'.
to no longer be able to control a situation that you have had difficulty controlling for a long time: · By 1965, US troops in the area were beginning to lose their grip.lose your grip on something: · I was worried that Clive seemed to be losing his grip on things.
increasing or spreading in an unexpected way that cannot be controlled: · Some economists are now predicting the danger of runaway inflation.· They see technology as a runaway force that humans can no longer control.
growing, spreading or continuing very quickly, in a way that is impossible to stop - used especially in literature: · It wasn't military action but rampant disease that finally caused the population to surrender.· Corruption soon became rampant.
to grow or develop in a completely uncontrolled way: · Organized crime has been running wild since the collapse of the old regime.· She allowed her imagination to run wild.
experienced in a particular job or activity someone who is experienced knows a lot about a job or activity because they have done it for a long time: · Ms Carter is one of our most experienced teachers.experienced in (doing) something: · This job would suit someone experienced in dealing with the public.highly experienced (=very experienced): · Highly experienced cost estimators for construction projects earn around $80,000 a year.
: seasoned traveller/politician/professional etc someone who has done something regularly for a long time and knows all the problems involved: · Being a seasoned traveller, he was fully prepared for the long delay at the airport.· We need a seasoned manager to run this project.
British /practiced American someone who is practised in a particular job or skill has become good at it through experience: · A practised observer would quickly notice changes in the birds' behaviour.practised in: · Morris is a skilful salesman, practiced in the art of persuasion.
someone who has been doing something important in public life for a very long time and is respected by other people: veteran of: · Chiles, a three-term veteran of the U.S. Senate, won the governorship of Florida.veteran campaigner/statesman/broadcaster etc: · Millett is a veteran campaigner for women's rights.· Veteran diplomat Richard Murphy is heading the commission.
someone who has been doing something for a long time and knows all the best ways of doing it: · Charlie will show you what to do - he's one of our old hands.old hand at: · Nurse Baker is an old hand at dealing with difficult patients.
informal to have a lot of knowledge about something, gained from experience: · You may not want to believe me, but I do know a thing or two.know a thing or two about: · I think he knows a thing or two about football - he's been playing for 15 years.
to know how to do all the parts of a job or to be able to deal with a system because you have had a lot of experience: · The best way to learn is to spend some time with someone who knows the ropes.· People who shop at thrift stores regularly know the ropes.
informal someone whom you admire because of their great skill and experience in a particular job, profession, or activity: · My accountant knows his stuff - he's a real pro.old pro: · If there's a fish down there he'll catch it - he's a old pro.
the right to do what you want the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted, especially by a government or by someone in authority: · There was a huge party at the Berlin Wall as East Germans celebrated their freedom.· Teachers in the special program have a greater amount of freedom in what they teach.freedom to do something: · People here have the freedom to practise whatever religion they like.freedom of speech/choice/expression etc: · In a country where freedom of speech is guaranteed, citizens should expect to hear ideas with which they disagree.freedom from: · The constitution guarantees freedom from persecution on grounds of race, sex, or sexuality.
a person's legal right to do what they want, without being unfairly controlled or restricted by the government: · They were fighting for liberty and equality.· Many people think that compulsory ID cards interfere with personal liberty.
when someone is allowed to do something in the way that they want, without being told what to do: · Some government agencies will be run like private companies, with a free hand when it comes to rules on hiring, buying equipment, etc.give somebody a free hand: · He was given a remarkably free hand in making all the arrangements.
help that is given · If I need any help I'll call you.· I'm having trouble paying the rent, but I don't want to ask my parents for help.help with · Would you like some help with those suitcases?with help from somebody · We managed to buy the house with a little help from Dave's parents.with the help of somebody/something · With the help of a nicotine patch she was able to quit smoking.get help (=find someone to help you) · You go get help - I'll wait here with the car.
formal something you provide in order to help someone do something: · Patients can usually walk without assistance within a week of the operation.· The federal agency provides assistance to families whose homes were destroyed by flooding.· The company has a toll-free number that offers technical assistance to anyone who needs it.be of assistance: · Our tour guides will be pleased to be of assistance if you have any problems.
informal practical help from someone when something needs to be done: · Everybody needs a hand now and then.a hand with: · I could use a hand with the yard work if you're not busy.lend/give somebody a hand: · Could you give me a hand moving those boxes?
help, especially money, that an organization or country gives to another country or to people who are in a very difficult situation: · Aid is not getting through to the refugees.· Each year, the U.S. sends more than $1.8 billion in aid to sub-Saharan Africa.
equipment, money, or help from other people that is available for you to use when you need it: · I'd like to thank you all for your support in the upcoming election.· Our two company lawyers provide all the legal support we need.
help given to customers of a particular business, by the people who work there: · I thought the service in the pizza place was very good.provide a service: · We knew the shop would never survive if we didn't provide a good service from the minute we opened the doors.
people, equipment etc that are provided to be used if people need help: · This department needs more secretarial and clerical back-up.· Police had to wait for backup to arrive before making any arrests.
something such as praise or advice from other people that helps give someone the confidence and determination to do something: · Children need lots of encouragement when they're learning new things.words of encouragement: · After his speech, he shook hands and offered words of encouragement to people in the crowd. by way of encouragement (=in order to encourage someone): · "But you're doing a great job," he added by way of encouragement.
to help someone to make it easier for someone to do something by doing part of their work, showing them what to do, or giving them something they need: · I'm ready to help. Is there something for me to do?· Dad, I don't understand my homework. Will you help me?· The money will be used to help starving children around the world.help with: · Dan's mother has been great about helping with the kids.help do something: · Warren offered to help clean up the house after the party.help to do something: · Part of the assistant's job is to help to organize conferences and keep the director informed.help somebody do something: · Help me lift this, will you?help somebody to do something: · Her uncle said he would help her to find a job.help somebody with something: · Do you want me to help you with those bags?help somebody into/off/across/down etc (=help someone go somewhere): · "Did you enjoy the trip?" asked Jack, helping her out of the boat.
informal to help someone do something, especially something they have to do in their home such as carrying or lifting things: · Scott is moving Saturday and I promised to lend a hand.give/lend somebody a hand: · Give me a hand and let's see if we can get this box in the car.give/lend a hand with: · Could you give me a hand with the shopping.
formal to help someone do something, especially by doing all the easier or less important things for them so that their job is easier: · Can you do the job alone, or do you want someone to assist you?assist in: · In this position, you will assist in training new employees.assist with: · Some of the guests assisted with the preparation of the food.assist somebody in/with something: · A consultant has been brought in to assist management in restructuring the company.
to help someone by doing something for them that they would normally do themselves: · If you're not feeling well, I'll do the shopping for you.· Did you have someone do your homework for you? It doesn't look like your writing.
British /favor American to do something to help someone, especially a friend or someone you know well: · Could you do me a favour and mail these letters for me?· She's always doing favours for us. The least we can do is help her out now.do somebody a big favour/favor (=help someone a lot): · They did us a big favor by letting us stay there, you know.
to help someone do something, especially because there are not enough people to do all the work: · Their son used to help out in the shop when it was busy.· Organizing the school trip will be a lot of work, so I need some volunteers to help out.help out with: · The kids are always good about helping out with the chores.help somebody out: · While I'm gone, try to help your Mom out, OK?help out somebody: · No need to thank me - I was just glad to help out a friend.
to help someone by doing something for them that they have not asked you to do, because you think they need your help and you want to help them: · She's always happy to do a stranger a good turn.· He did me a good turn when he advised me not to sell my house - it's worth twice as much now.
British /do your part American to do what you can to help in a bad or difficult situation, especially because you think you are expected to do it or that it is your duty: · I've done my bit - now it's up to you.do your bit for: · Brown feels that she's done her part for the Democratic Party.
formal to offer to help someone who is in difficulty and who will not be able to continue without your help: · It took an ambulance 27 minutes to come to the aid of the accident victims.· Many expect the central government to come to the assistance of the ailing industry.
to help a person or group: give help/assistance/support to: · The program gives assistance to unemployed mothers and their children.give somebody help/assistance/support: · My family gave me very little support when I decided to go back to college. · Any kind of help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
to hold someone's hand, arm etc to hold someone's hand, especially to comfort them or to make them feel safe: · Hold Mummy's hand -- there's a good girl.· Andrew sat next to Jane and held her hand.· He held her hand tightly and led her across the street.hold hands (=if two or more people hold hands, they hold each other's hands): · She saw Kurt and Eileen coming back from the beach, kissing and holding hands.· Then we all sat in a circle and held hands.
to take hold of someone's hand, arm etc, in order to take them somewhere: · Emily took me by the hand and led me into the garden.· A nurse took her arm and led her to a chair.
to have something in your hand · I held the money tightly in my hand.· In the photograph there was a small boy holding a flag.· A smiling woman holding a can of beer came over to us.hold something up/hold up something (=hold something high in the air) · What a lovely picture! Hold it up so everyone can see it.hold something out/hold out something (=hold something towards someone, especially to offer it to them) · I took a glass of champagne from the tray the waiter held out.
if something is in your hand , you are holding it: · What's that in your hand?· He arrived at the door with an enormous bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.in each hand: · Theo walked across the yard with a pail in each hand.
to lift a part of your body to a higher position: raise your eyes/eyebrows/hand/arm etc to move or turn your eyes, head etc upwards for a short time: · She raised her eyes from the newspaper when he came in.· If you have any questions, please raise your hand.· Lori raised her arms over her head.raise to do something: · Mum raised her hand to hit me and then stopped.
also lift up: lift your arm/leg/head to move your arm, leg etc upwards, especially when this is difficult to do: · I was feeling so weak that I could hardly lift my head from the pillow.· The child lifted up her arms, asking to be picked up.· Lie on your side, use your hand for support, and lift your leg to the level of your shoulder.
to move your arm upwards and keep it in the air, for example because you want to speak in a class or meeting, or because you are being counted: · Put your hand up if you know the answer.· If you are not able to take part, please put your hand up.
easy to get to if a place is within walking distance , it is not far away, and you can walk there easily: · There are several good restaurants within walking distance.within walking/driving etc distance of: · Dr Goldthorpe lived within walking distance of the University.within easy walking etc distance (of something): · Fortunately the house that we were renting was within easy driving distance of the shops.
near enough to a town or place for you to get there without too much difficulty: within reach of: · It was just lucky that we were within reach of a hospital.within easy reach (=near enough to get to easily): · Around Salzburg there are literally dozens of exciting places to visit -- all within easy reach.
British also convenient to something American if your home, office etc is convenient for or handy for a particular place, that place is near it and easy to reach: · The place where we live now is very convenient for the school - it's only a couple of minutes on foot.· My husband works in London so we're looking for a house that's handy for the station. · We found an apartment convenient to campus and public transportation.
also round the corner British not far away, especially in the streets of a town: · "Is there a bank near here?" "Sure, it's just around the corner."· She won't be long, she's only gone round the corner.around the corner from: · We met in a bar just around the corner from my apartment.
if a building or person is close at hand , they are very near and therefore available in case you need them: · The Exhibition Centre is a great day out, with plenty of parking and all the attractions of Manchester close at hand.· I'm very glad that, when my children were small, my mother was always close at hand.
if you say it's no distance , you mean that a place is not far away and is therefore easy to get to: · We come up here regularly from London; it's no distance. it's no distance from: · It's no distance from here to Fifth Avenue. We can easily walk it.
if one place is a stone's throw from another place, it is only a very short distance from it, so that it is easy to get to: · I was born in Wembley, a stone's throw from the football stadium!only a stone's throw from something: · Stanford Hospital is only a stone's throw from where I live.within a stone's throw of something: · The river's within a stone's throw of our apartment - we can see it from the window.
when you do something yourself if you do something yourself , no-one else does it for you: · I made these curtains myself.· Why can't your boyfriend cook lunch himself?· "Could you pass me that book?" "Get it yourself!"
if an important person does something personally , they do it, although you would normally expect someone else to do it for them: · The President wrote to us personally to thank us for our hard work.· The Commander in Chief visited the island personally, and took steps toward strengthening the defense facilities and fortification.
if you do something in person , you do it by going somewhere yourself, rather than by asking someone else to do it: · My letters were all returned to me, so I decided to go around to her house in person.· The prince was renowned for his bravery, and chose to lead his troops in person.
if you deliver a letter, parcel etc by hand , you deliver it yourself instead of posting it: · The letter had been delivered by hand, and was addressed to Mrs Zippie Isaacs.
to practise for a competition, test, or performance British /practice American to do an activity and repeat it a lot in order to get better at it: · I'm learning how to play the piano, and I try to practise every day.· Practicing karate twice a week might be enough, but you should try to do it a bit more.· We're going to Paris for a week in summer, so that Bill can practise his French.practise doing something: · Practise speaking slowly and clearly.practise for: · When I was practicing for the competition, I spent eight hours a day in the conservatory practice rooms.practise on somebody/something: · I always wanted to be a hairdresser, and used to practise on my friends.
to prepare for a race or game by exercising and practising: · If you're really going to run in the marathon, you need to start training now.· In the winter months, she trains in Montana.train for: · Tyson is training for the big fight next week.
especially British to be in the period before a sports event or competition when you practise a particular sport or physical activity in a planned and controlled way: · When I'm in training I spend at least four hours a day at the swimming pool.be in training for: · He's currently in training for an important race.
to practise a particular skill that you need to play a sport, a musical instrument etc, so that your whole performance improves: · Your tennis playing is getting better, but you need to work on your serve.· Scales and finger exercises are the areas to work on if you want to improve your technique.
to practise something over a long period of time and with a lot of effort in order to achieve a high enough standard: · You'll have to really work at it if you want to be a professional dancer.· Learning another language is never easy, but if you work at it you'll soon get results.
to practise something such as a play or concert, so that it is ready to be performed for the public: · The director made us rehearse the opening scenes over and over.· The band has been rehearsing at the studio all day.rehearse for: · He is currently in New York rehearsing for "The Taming of the Shrew."
to practise something such as a play, speech, or piece of music by reading or playing it from start to finish: · I promised to hear her go through her speech.· Let's go through it just once more.· We went through the whole symphony four times, and he still wasn't satisfied.
to practise something just enough to still be good at it but not enough to improve, especially when you no longer do it regularly: · He still comes around the gym occasionally, just to keep his hand in.· Although she has retired now, she keeps her hand in by giving her grandchildren music lessons.
to see someone or something · I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror.
to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper.
also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again.
to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance.
to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look.
also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve.
to know about something secret or dishonest and take part in it informal to take part in or know all about an illegal or secret activity: · Is it true that the Chief of Police was in on the cover-up?· Jones denies being in on the plan to blow up the building.· He didn't have a clue about the surprise party, but everyone in the office was in on it.
formal to take part in something which is illegal or wrong: · My clients do not want to be party to tax evasion.· Prosecutors proved she was in the house and was a party to the murder.
to be in some way secretly involved in something and be partly responsible for its results: · He is a member of one of the extremist groups that may have had a hand in the murder. · Do they suspect the government of having a hand in it?· My father may have had a hand in getting me the job.
to know about and encourage something wrong that someone else is doing: collude in: · How far can women be said to be colluding in their own lower employment status?collude with: · There have been accusations that the prime minister secretly colluded with the leaders of the regime.
what you say to tell someone not to touch something spoken use this when you are telling someone, especially a child, not to touch something: · Don't touch! That's daddy's work.· Those glasses were very expensive. You can look but don't touch.· Don't touch the iron - it's hot.· How many times do I have to tell you - don't touch my things!
use this when you are telling someone not to touch something they are already touching: · That's a very delicate piece of equipment - please leave it alone.· Our neighbor would have cut the tree down if I hadn't told him to leave it alone.
spoken say this when you are angrily telling someone not to touch something, especially when they are trying to take it away: · Hands off my coat!get/take/keep your hands off something: · Get your hands off my car!
to put your hand on someone or something to put your fingers or hand onto someone or something: · Don't touch the plates - they're hot!· I cut my knee last week, and it still hurts if I touch it.· Barry never lets anyone touch the piano.· "What are you thinking?" she asked, touching his arm.
to touch something in order to find out how hard or soft, hot, cold etc it is: · Just feel this material - it's so soft!· The nurse felt his forehead to see if he had a fever.· "The flowers look so real - I can't believe they're silk," she said, feeling the petals.
to move your hand over something and feel the surface of it: · She ran her hand over the satiny black surface of the piano.· The man took off his cap and ran his hand through his thick brown hair.· I ran my hand along the wall, looking for a light switch.
to move your hands or fingers quickly backwards and forwards over part of your body, while pressing down, especially in order to make a pain less severe: · Colin yawned and rubbed his eyes.· Could you rub my neck? It's really stiff.· Bill had fallen on the path and was rubbing his knee.
to rub your finger nails hard on part of your skin, for example because it itches: · Don't scratch - the rash will get infected.· He sat scratching his head, trying to think of the answer.· There's a spot in the middle of my back that itches - can you scratch it for me?
to hold something small in your hands and keep moving it around, especially because you are nervous or bored: · She fiddled nervously with her watch strap.· Stop fiddling with your toys and pay attention.
to try something to see if it is good to do or use something for a short time in order to find out if it is successful, if you enjoy it, or if it is suitable: · I tried aerobics once, but I didn't really enjoy it.· Have you tried those new barbecue-flavoured crisps?· His mother tried threats, bribery -- everything, but Danny still refused to go to school.· There was no answer at his workplace, so Mandy tried his home number.try doing something: · I think you should try planning your essays in rough before you start writing.
to use a new method, a new product, or that you have learned, in order to find out how good, how successful, or how suitable it is: try out something: · They sell paint in very small cans so you can try out the different colours at home.· Dietmar enjoyed trying out his English on American troops stationed in Berlin.try something out: · It was six months before she had a chance to try her songs out in front of a live audience.
to try using or doing something, although you are not sure if it will succeed or if it is suitable or good: · I'm not sure that writing to complain will do much good, but we can give it a try.· Why don't we give that new wine bar a try?
to try an activity to see if you enjoy it and if you would like to do it some more: · The hotel provides an excellent base from which visitors can sample the delights of scuba diving and waterskiing.
British informal to do something for the first time to see whether you can do it, whether you enjoy it etc: · She's never tried skiing before, but she's willing to have a go.· The competition's open to anyone, so why not have a bash?have a go/bash at doing something: · Most kids get the opportunity to have a bash at writing poetry when they're at school.have a go on something (=try using a machine): · Can I have a go on your computer?
to try an activity that is new to you and that interests you, especially something that you need to learn special skills for: · He first tried his hand at motor racing in 1963, but without much success.try your hand at doing something: · After she lost her job, she thought she'd try her hand at writing a novel.
to try something in order to see what it is like or what effect it has: · We're experimenting with a new filing system.· A new wave of rock bands experimented with different rhythms and beats.· A lot of fourteen and fifteen year olds experiment with drugs.
the process of trying a lot of different ways of doing something, in order to find out which one works best: by trial and error (=using trial and error): · We found out by trial and error which plants could survive the dry conditions.a process of trial and error: · We learn new skills through a process of trial and error.
when people do something together in a dishonest way if someone is in league with a group of people, they are secretly planning and working with them in order to do something dishonest or illegal: · Anyone suspected of being in league with the rebels was arrested.· There was a suggestion that the authorities were in league with the drug dealers.
if one group of people is in collusion with another group, they are all working secretly together to do something dishonest: · Some of the police force were working in collusion with the Mafia.· Journalists suspected that the army was acting in collusion with the terrorists.
working secretly and closely with another person or group in order to do something dishonest or cheat someone: · Assassins, in cahoots with the army, were sent to kill two top members of the parliament.· By the middle of the book we've learned that the church and the local politicians are in cahoots to try to slow Sonja's research.
British if one organization is hand in glove with another organization, they work together very closely in order to do something dishonest, or dishonestly get power: · The politicians are hand in glove with the military, everyone knows that.
WORD SETSace, nounbaccarat, nounbid, nounblackjack, nounbridge, nouncanasta, nouncard, nouncard table, nouncontract bridge, nouncourt card, nouncrib, nouncribbage, nouncut, verbdeal, noundeal, verbdealer, noundeck, noundiscard, verbdiscard, noundummy, nounface card, nounflush, nounfull house, noungin rummy, noungrand slam, nounhand, nounjack, nounjoker, nounking, nounkitty, nounknave, nounlead, verboverbid, verbpack, nounpatience, nounpicture card, nounplaying card, nounpoker, nounpontoon, nounqueen, nounraise, verbrubber, nounrummy, nounrun, nounshuffle, verbshuffle, nounsnap, nounsnap, interjectionsolitaire, nounspade, nounstrip poker, nounsuit, nountrick, nountrump, nountrump, verbtwenty-one, nounwhist, nounwild, adjectivewild card, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives
He had killed a man with his bare hands. rough calloused hands He was caught red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking money from the cash register. ‘Mick!’ She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I’d forgotten!’ Fenella leaned forward, clasping her hands around her knees. She stood with her hands clasped tightly together. She clasped the photograph in her hands. A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). a hand-crafted silver cigar case Mary dried her hands. I spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came home empty-handed. George extended his hand (=offered to shake hands). We must not let these documents fall into the wrong hands. These children need a firm hand. He used his free hand to open the door. Manufacturers are rubbing their hands with glee as they prepare to cash in. There was fierce hand-to-hand fighting in the streets of the city. They were defeated in hand-to-hand combat. a hands-off style of management The government has a hands-off approach to the industry. a chance to get some hands-on experience of the job He has a very hands-on approach to management. She’s been giving me a helping hand with the children. He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. I grew up here; I know the place like the back of my hand (=I know it very well). Students were handing out election leaflets at the station. We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. She lifted her hand to knock on the door once again. Pam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug. Making notes is the best way of keeping your mind on the task at hand. She ran to meet them with outstretched arms. She felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her. He held the pebble in the palm of his hand. Control of these services has now passed into the hands of the local authorities. Raise your hand if you know the right answer. The business is in the hands of the receivers. the right-hand side of the body the bottom right-hand corner of the page He rubbed his hands together with embarrassment. second-hand accounts of mass killings We got most of our furniture second hand. It may not be true – I only heard it second hand. One of them tied her hands behind her back. Be careful, he’s got wandering hands.
· She held the book in her right hand.
(=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.
(=covered with a glove)· He stretched out a gloved hand.
(=stretched out towards someone or something)· She took her father’s outstretched hand and began to walk from the room.
(=in the shape of a cup)· Hamil shook the dice in his cupped hand.
verbs· Marta waved a hand to attract his attention.
· They were singing and clapping their hands.
· Go wash your hands before dinner.
· Joanne and Kevin held hands on the sofa.
(also shake hands with somebody)· ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said, as they shook hands.
(=hold someone’s hand)· He reached across the table and took her hand in his.
(=hold someone’s hand in order to take them somewhere)· She took the boy by the hand and led him across the street.
(=take hold of the hands of people on either side of you)· They stood in a circle and joined hands.
(=hold them together tightly)· Emily clasped her hands together and stood there nervously.
(=put your hands together and rest them on something)· Lily folded both hands on her stomach.
(also put your hand up) (=lift your hand, especially when you want to ask or answer a question)· If you know the answer, raise your hand.
· His hands trembled as he lifted the cup.
· His other hand was holding his mobile phone.
· Daniel’s hand touched mine.
(=hold something firmly)· Her hands gripped the steering wheel very tightly.
(=take and hold something firmly)· He felt Connor’s hand grasp his shoulder.
· Her hand tightened on the knife handle.
nouns· The disease means she has trouble controlling her hand movements.
(=a movement of your hand to show what you mean)· He made a rude hand gesture at the other driver.
phrases· He had a suitcase in his hand.
(=in a crawling position)· They got down on their hands and knees to search.
(=the inside surface of your hand)· The phone could fit into the palm of his hand.
(=the outside surface of your hand)· Let a dog sniff the back of your hand, rather than your fingers.
(=without using a tool, weapon, machine etc)· With his bare hands he forced the doors apart.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
(=a bag you are allowed to carry with you onto a plane)· You are only allowed one item of hand baggage on the plane.
He had killed a man with his bare hands. (=beat someone very easily)· He should be able to beat them all hands down.
(=going towards the left or the right)· Take the turning just after the left-hand bend in the road.
(=hit your hands together with enthusiasm, to show you have enjoyed a performance)
(also the emergency brake, the parking brake American English) (=one you apply with your hand, to stop the car moving when parked)· I tried to drive off with the hand brake still on.
(=a small one that you hold in your hand)· The calculations can be done using a hand-held calculator.
rough calloused hands (=one that is not new)· The company locates suitable new and used cars for buyers.
He was caught red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking money from the cash register. ‘Mick!’ She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I’d forgotten!’ Fenella leaned forward, clasping her hands around her knees. She stood with her hands clasped tightly together. She clasped the photograph in her hands.· Make sure you have clean hands before you eat.
(=the long thin pieces that point at the numbers)· The hands on the clock said ten past two.
A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). (=not new)· Charity shops sell second-hand clothes at low prices.
(=in which you are close enough to touch your opponent)· Thousands of men were killed in hand-to-hand combat in less than 24 hours.
· We followed the path to the left-hand corner of the field.
· Put your address in the top right-hand corner of the page.
a hand-crafted silver cigar case (=immediately, without thinking about it)· It's an interesting idea so don't dismiss it out of hand.
· Have you looked in the left-hand drawer?
Mary dried her hands. I spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came home empty-handed.· Add up what you've got on the right-hand side of the equation.
· Half the class failed to hand in their essay on time.
(=with just enough food or money to live)· The survivors lived a hand-to-mouth existence until they were rescued.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
George extended his hand (=offered to shake hands). We must not let these documents fall into the wrong hands. (=someone will decide what happens to you)· His fate is now in the hands of the judge.
These children need a firm hand. He used his free hand to open the door. (=officially say that you want a friendly relationship)· America extended the hand of friendship, but it was rejected.
· Native Australians hand down stories and songs from generation to generation.
Manufacturers are rubbing their hands with glee as they prepare to cash in.· A left-hand glove was found at the scene of the crime.
There was fierce hand-to-hand fighting in the streets of the city. They were defeated in hand-to-hand combat. a hands-off style of management The government has a hands-off approach to the industry. a chance to get some hands-on experience of the job He has a very hands-on approach to management. She’s been giving me a helping hand with the children. He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. (=hold each other’s hands) They sat holding hands under a tree.
They sat holding hands under a tree. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. (=give it to the teacher)· You must hand in your homework by Friday.
(=give homework you have done to your teacher)· He always hands his homework in on time.
I grew up here; I know the place like the back of my hand (=I know it very well). (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
Students were handing out election leaflets at the station. We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. (=put yourself in a dangerous situation)· Just crossing this road is taking your life in your hands.
She lifted her hand to knock on the door once again. Pam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug. (=on the right of the page)· There were some notes written in the right-hand margin.
(=on the left of the page)· All typing begins at the left-hand margin.
old-fashioned (=ask someone to marry you, or ask their parents for permission to marry)· He asked my father for my hand in marriage.
(also the matter in hand British English) (=the thing you are dealing with now)· Do not let yourself be distracted from the matter in hand.
Making notes is the best way of keeping your mind on the task at hand. (=used to say who has made someone go through something painful or difficult)· She has only just revealed her ordeal at the hands of her stepfather.
She ran to meet them with outstretched arms.· The answers are on the right-hand page.
She felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her. He held the pebble in the palm of his hand. Control of these services has now passed into the hands of the local authorities.· I saw him wandering along the beach with his hands in his pockets.
(=operated by your hand or foot)
(=give people punishments)· The courts are handing out harsher punishments to reckless drivers.
Raise your hand if you know the right answer. The business is in the hands of the receivers. (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=say that you are going to leave an organization)· I'm thinking of handing in my resignation.
the right-hand side of the body the bottom right-hand corner of the page He rubbed his hands together with embarrassment. second-hand accounts of mass killings We got most of our furniture second hand. It may not be true – I only heard it second hand. (=officially give someone a sentence)· The judge imposed a three-year sentence.
· On the left-hand side list the skills and qualifications required for the job.
(=make them more powerful)· The controversy has strengthened the hand of her critics.
One of them tied her hands behind her back. (=to be caught stealing from your employer)
Be careful, he’s got wandering hands. (=very easily or by a large amount)· Everyone expected Sam to win hands down.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· In return for a freer hand in the currency market private dealers were expected to play a more active role in industrial investment.· He loosened his tie with his free hand.· Mrs Sweet reached her free hand down to his flies.· Lucia started backing up her books with a free hand.· Then Sir Alfred pulled in in his Bentley and promised me a free hand to design a car that worked.· Get a free hand to change work rules.· Ruth shook her head and then with her free hand scooped her hair back from her face.· It turns them on and gives them a free hand to be as obnoxious as they want.
· Isabel raised her left hand and peered at the ring in the dim light cast by the clock-candle burning near the bed.· It was worn on the left hand, so as not to hinder sword play.· He stood in the doorway holding the thirty-eight in his right hand, with his left hand grasping his right wrist.· The Blairites' right hand seems not to know-dares not find out-what its left hand is doing.· Repeat the exercise, then do the same for the left hand.· She wore a leather mitten on her left hand while her right was bare.· But during batting practice a line drive slammed off his left hand, and he had to be scratched.
· On the other hand specialists could thrive.· On the other hand sentiment is changing the way in which hostile takeovers are regarded.· Lawyers, on the other hand, often call for changing even settled practice in midgame.· Rheme position, on the other hand, is prominent on an overall discourse level.· Group B, on the other hand, seems a little anomalous.· On the other hand the public would want inspectors to be independent of the school being inspected.· If on the other hand they wished him to go, he should be told immediately so that the could leave quietly.· On the other hand, the lesser light-grasp is not really important for most kinds of viewing.
· Morenz used his right hand to bring out his passport.· He insisted there was some-thing about his right hand-the hand that delivered the knockout punch-that was strange.· Gritting his teeth against the pain, he made a grab with his right hand and ripped the knife from its sheath.· Edney holds the ball with his right hand and uses his left shoulder for protection.· Without warning his right hand swiped in retaliation at her mouth, splitting her lip.· There will be a little clock in the lower right hand corner that will tick down.· Pausing at the door he turned once more and extended the middle finger of his right hand towards the bed.
· During his election campaign Demirel had spoken of the need for a strong hand in dealing with Kurdish guerrillas.· No more to trouble earth or the sea waters With their strong hands, Laboring for the food that does not satisfy.· His strong hand cupped her fist and held it.· Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back?· A strong hand, long-fingered, brown.· If he bids high, is he bluffing, or does he actually hold a strong hand?· At first Dinah had smacked her hard on the bare bottom with her thin strong hand.
· Now White gains the upper hand.· Once your groin gets the upper hand, you lose the ability to reason.· My son usually has the upper hand because he's older.· In the South, the right-wing Rhee supporters clearly had the upper hand.· For a fleeting second she allowed herself to revel in the unaccustomed feeling of having the upper hand over him.· It was a curious shell game in which each side thought it had the upper hand.· And the loss of a fight in which greens seemed to have the upper hand is hard to take.
NOUN· Left or right hand side zip available.· You will find the camera button located close to the hand-grip on the right hand side of the body.· Each pilot had a separate door on the right hand side, off a wing walk.· In a formal display the left and right hand side are exactly the same.· It shows the length of the factory with the Design Studio on the right hand side.· Sidebar a vertical bar positioned usually on the right hand side of the screen.· Trouble too on lower panel, right hand side, he wrote.· Take a clean sheet of paper and use only the left hand side.
VERB· It is unclear whether it has recently changed hands.· More than 3 million shares changed hands, more than 14 times the six-month average of 204, 524 shares.· We've each had our hot streaks, I won't deny: the whammy has changed hands many times.· In 1989, after several years of lagging profits, Lechmere changed hands as a result of a management-led leveraged buyout.· Ecstasy tablets now change hands for £20 a time.· Some 68. 33 million shares changed hands.· The price at which tenancies change hands is currently within the range £115,000 to £155,000.· No money changed hands, he said.
· Paul claps his hand to his head three or four times.· They were just slowly crawling around. l clapped my hands over them.· He wanted to clap his hands to the music, but didn't.· Dad clapped his hands over his cheeks when the thunderbolt struck.· Every morning when we got to school we were allowed to play until Mrs Donnan stood outside and clapped her hands.· There was a terrific amount of noise and laughter and the clapping of hands.· The Night Superintendent clapped her hands for silence.· The Times Squares clap their hands, change partners, and do-si-do.
· Susan clasped her hands because she was trembling, but the tension in her locked fingers only made her shake the more.· Fontaine clasped his hands in his lap.· The carer then asks the patient to clasp his hands together, and helps him to do this.· The judge sat down and clasped his hands.· Magrat clasped her hands together and looked down, biting her knuckles.· The president straightened the ribbons, clasped his hands and appeared to pray.· The Scarabae clasped their hands, pleased.· He switched channels with the remote, clasped his hands behind his head.
· Trying by cupping his hand over the clasps to avoid the penetrating clicks of opening, George lifted the lid.· She stood with the table crumbs cupped in one hand.· He then shuffled around the room cupping his hand around the chimneys and blowing out one lamp after another.· The 75, 000 football fans crammed into the cupped hands of Sun Devil Stadium.· Grainne took the hot fragrant wine gratefully, and cupped her hands about the goblet for warmth.· He cupped his hand over his thing as if it were a flame that might blow out.· Then she cupped her hands around Jack's face and gently pulled him to his feet.· All stood anxiously waiting with camp cups in hand.
· Recovering quickly, he smiled in return and extended his hand.· Father Tim extended his hands and indicated a small distance between them.· Cornelius paused a moment to extend his right hand.· He wore a yellow-brown silk cloak with cotton trim; his sleeves were long, extending over his hands.· As Jess passes by Jody, the coach extends her hand to be slapped.· Marie extended her hand graciously, inclined her head, thanked me.· She extends her hand and they shake.
· Primo reaches for his wallet, lets it fall open in his hand and slips out a five.· Such colour as there was drained from her face, and what was left of the biscuit fell from her hand.· Pentagon officials say they have already had some success reducing the risk that nuclear materials will fall into the wrong hands.· The revolver nearly fell from my hands, and my whole body froze with fear.· He lurched sideways and fell to his hands and knees on the stone steps.· Everything falls neatly to hand, and all switches and indicators are clearly marked.· Menelaus drew his sword, his only weapon now, but as he did so it fell from his hand broken.
· He hadn't given her flowers, or held her hand in the cinema or left meaningful messages on her answerphone.· He held her hand tightly and led her across the street.· After being counted one more time, still holding Elizabeth's hand I followed the crocodile miserably through darkened rooms.· He longed to be holding one in his hands.· Arlene held out her hand for him, stretched it flat, from fingertip to elbow, against the tabletop.· Lucker holds my hand with the kind of grasp that men at sea learn as a last resort.· Condrey said he was still holding Higgins' hand when they walked into the water, fully clothed.
· An ambulance was kept at hand.· Several blocks of the same size are kept on hand to represent buildings.· And keep your hands off Maria.· Since she left City Hall, Zimmerman has kept a hand in politics.· He moved slowly and cautiously, and kept his hands in clear view.· He kept his hand on Hughes's sleeve.· Always keep hand cream available in kitchen and bathroom and rub it in frequently.· Like those people who keep washing their hands over and over.
· I laid a hand on his hair.· Stuyvesant responded by laying hands on To bias Feake, who delivered the document, arresting and eventually banishing him.· He lay stiff on her hand, small, cold and useless.· He was driven finally into telling her that he would lay hands upon her if she did not stop talking.· Terran employees who still had the faculty of independent mobility fled, understandably, with everything they could lay their hands on.· I lay a hand on his chest and felt him breathe, mile after mile through the Kentucky night.· The baby was kicking, at night Alan lay with his hand on her side and felt the repeated thrusting movements.· The court officers tell me they can lay their hands on a block of tickets.
· He used to lift his hands high off the keyboard, which was my first lesson in the value of showmanship.· I lift my hand and watch a melted blade of light move across my flesh.· I lifted my hand and, acknowledging my recognition of him, I smiled.· When the shrieks of his gang became too much, he lifted his hand and his face took on a furious look.· She went to the door of the room Alice had been in, and lifted her hand as if to knock.· I did not frighten her further by going over to her but lifted my hand and continued on my way.· It was opened almost before Howarth had lifted his hand to ring.· I lift my hand to direct him to the landing, and just like that it hits me.
· The dew vanished from the flowers; they began to lose their freshness and to wilt, passing from hand to hand.· She was passed from hand to hand.· He passed his hands through his hair, clutching the wheel silently, dashboard dials glowing.· On impulse, he reached out and passed his hand through the vapour.· She brought him his sandwich and soda, placing it down like a mommy, passing a hand through his wet hair.· But from that day, too, events began to pass out of their hands.· Coins, jewelry, postage stamps, a Matisse litho, all passed through my hands.
· Her affairs were placed in the hands of the Court of Protection, which appointed Mrs B receiver.· She placed a small delicate hand on it and bade Miriam good-night.· Rising slowly to his feet, he placed both hands on the table and leaned forward to face Jonadab.· I placed my hand among the grey curlicues of Hugh's fallen chest.· As she placed her hands trustingly in his, he moved out of the strong light and she saw his face.· He placed his free hand tentatively on the soft flesh.· Standing with your feet together, place your left hand on your stomach.· And then, with no less care than command, I placed his hand on the front of my trousers.
· Remembering the cup in her pocket, she pressed her hand over the flap to hide it.· He tried to force her voice lower by keeping his soft and pressing his hands downward.· She pressed a hand to her bosom to try to still the wild fluttering of her heart.· Several parishioners had pressed envelopes into his hand.· Keeping the body rigid, press with the hands until the arms are straight.· Yes, the missionary ladies agreed, as they pressed money into her hands.· Harriet pressed a hand to her mouth and closed her eyes.· Add the melted butter in a stream, while mixing until it holds together when pressed in your hand.
· Some months later it dawned on me that he had put his hands on my head and what this implied!· Luther put his hand inside his suit jacket.· She put her hand defiantly on his arm and glared at the ring of faces.· He put out his hand to stop her as she went by.· But before we part, come, put your hand on this stone.· You know, I put my hand inside his shirt and I feel like some one else is doing it.· Anna Harland put her hand on her daughter's arm, and smiled at them.· Dunne put his hands in the air.
· Gaunt raised his hand as if welcoming the plaudits of the crowd.· Carla raises her hand as if she were at school.· Zach gave a long ghostly moan and raised his hands.· Sev eral times he raised his hand to knock, but each time he let it drop.· Then they raised their hands in the air and gave three cheers.· She raised a hand to her hair.· She raised her hand to hail a cab but the Paris traffic was zooming by at its usual break-neck pace.· Perhaps I simply raise my hand.
· Ash reached one hand out across the table and spilled my brandy into my lap.· He had reached out his hand to try to pat her on the arm and noticed how erratic his own movements were.· Then he reaches back with his hand and rubs his foot with it.· She reached out with both hands.· He reached his hand down to tilt her chin or did she raise it to anticipate him?· The men reach out their hands and eat.· She reached up to lock her hands behind his neck, her mouth parting beneath his.· I reach for my hand mirror for confirmation.
· Soccer Western agents rub hands over the prospect of an eastern defection Talking Point.· I put a few drops on my palms and rubbed my hands together.· He rubbed one in his hands to thaw it for me and barked at Nina, the black-haired girl.· She rubbed her hands in his hair.· He rubbed his hands on his pants, blew on his fingers, and put them back into his pockets.· I can see the disinfectant manufactures rubbing their hands with glee, confident of selling still stronger-smelling concoctions.· Lee rubbed his long-fingered hands together; he wondered where to start.
· Again he ran his left hand through his hair, but this time he felt a tingle of anticipation.· He tugged on the ends of the billowing wig and ran his hands over it, pressing it to his head.· She ran a hand through her hair and glanced up at the fighters again, one arm linked through Plummer's.· I took a deep breath and ran my hands along my body.· Then run your hand across the surface in order to detect any bumps or depressions not visible to the eye.· McMurphy takes off his cap and runs his hands into that red hair.· He resisted the temptation, leaning back in his seat, running a hand across his forehead.· At the top of the meadow I reached back to run my hand over the few wispy hairs on his scalp.
· They embraced Rose a second time and everybody shook hands.· They shook hands and got in their cars and went home to supper.· Then suddenly an old man pushed his way through to me and shook my hand.· As he finished his set, Popper shook hands with the wheelchair-bound youngsters and passed out harmonicas to each.· The guests were crowding slowly past the wedded couple, kissing them, shaking their hands.· When he shakes hands, it reminds him of somebody else.· He then shook my hand, wished me luck and returned to his home.· They shake hands, kiss greetings, exchange news and rumors, and take snapshots of each other.
· Harry had taken her hand to help her up the last flight and they were both laughing like schoolchildren on an adventure.· Why do generally honest employees take from the hand that feeds them?· She took my hand, and played with my bracelet - and her fingers, her wrist were just bones.· Mr Enders had taken her by the hand and led her to the front of the crowd.· On reaching the toes, take your hands back to the head and sweep downwards again.· Annie said, rising in her weary fashion, taking my hand.· Don't wait for a muse to come take your hand.· She reached back and took him in her hand.
· Sophie threw her hands up in despair.· The rector leaned forward and threw up his hand.· Davide had seen the priests, who had shrugged and thrown up their hands indolently at the laundress's problem.· Even his most recent wife, Mercedes, had thrown up her hands.· At times they threw their hands up to their faces in true Macaulay Culkin style and almost screamed the roof off.· Elmer throws him a hand of hay and pours a scoop of sweet feed into his trough.· Here Abie threw up his hands at the ignorance of policemen.· With two out, he stumbled from the mound and landed on his throwing hand and came out of the game.
· The sooner it washes its hands of Mr Haider the better.· I no longer had to stoop to wash my hands in public restrooms.· Tell the kids to wash their hands and come in here when the programme's ended.· I wash my hands quickly and flee from the restroom.· Just wash your hands and then come back.· She ate something, gave Ollie some oatmeal and softened toast, cleaned him up, washed her face and hands.· Then, and only then, was it realised she had taken it off when she had washed her hands.· Maybe he should wash his hands.
· Then she smiled, waved her hand weakly, and was gone.· He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, waved his hand, and sat there.· She remembered him propped up by the nurses, waving his little hands about.· He waves his hand round and round to show the globe-encircling blue ring of cold material sinking into the earth.· As if he sensed their homage the Kha-Khan elect waved a hand in dismissal.· Shoba had been waving her hand and trying to get attention.· He waved his beringed hand at Thérèse.· He sat there looking up, and waving a hand in the Esso-blue evening.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► in the hands of somebody/in somebody’s hands► to hand► get your hands dirty► hand over fist► the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing► can do something with one hand (tied) behind your back► not do a hand’s turnPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush)► bury your face/head in your hands► I/you can count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand► the devil makes/finds work for idle hands► dirty your hands► with your own fair hands► the flat of somebody’s hand/a knife/a sword etc► time hangs/lies heavy on your hands► have/hold something in your hot little hand► knacker your elbow/hand etc► the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing► left-handed compliment► hand in your notice/give (your) notice► I’ve only got one pair of hands► a safe pair of hands► hand/give/offer somebody something on a plate► press somebody’s hand/arm► be putty in somebody’s hands► rule somebody with an iron fist/hand► a safe pair of hands► shake somebody’s hand/shake hands with somebody► talk to the hand► throw in your hand► have your hands/fingers in the till► wring somebody’s hand
- Hands off my coat!
- Get your hands off my car!
- And hands off ... workers anger at factory ban on rings.
- Couldn't keep our hands off each other.
- I can't keep my damned hands off you!
- I could not keep my hands off them.
- The government should keep its hands off content.
- They had been unable to keep their hands off each other.
- They should stay out where they belong - keep their hands off our people.
- Officer Rogers said he has the situation in hand.
- Gently slide your hands up the back of the skull as you allow his or head to come back down gently.
- He brought his hands up to the typewriter keys and forced himself to begin.
- She threw her hands up in the air and leaned back, stretching, arching her chest upward.
- Singer put both hands up before his face, arms outstretched; he was begging.
- Sometimes you have got to hold your hands up and accept that certain players are not right for you.
- The next minute the grenade thrower appeared with his hands up.
- The police mounted an early-morning assault on his office, and Mr Bucaram came running out with his hands up.
- Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand!
- Some of his comments had nothing to do with the topic at hand.
- Organizers of the fair have a nurse on hand in case of any injuries.
- The letter had been delivered by hand, and was addressed to Mrs Zippie Isaacs.
- The rug was made by hand.
- They delivered their wedding invitations by hand.
- Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
- Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
- Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
- The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
- These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
- Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
- Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
- A computer virus A watch with a second hand doing double time.
- Deathtraps: Coroner's warning over second hand electrical goods.
- Other rates may apply where the development is acquired second hand, or is merely a refurbishment of an existing industrial building.
- The Fourth Hand glides to a soft landing in Wisconsin, and readers will be left smiling.
- The leader takes a watch with a second hand, points to a player and calls out a letter of the alphabet.
- The second hand had its own dial at the bottom of the face.
- The story is now taken up at second hand.
- There is even a chapter on buying second hand - which has to be a boon for other Leica devotees.
- Could you give me a hand moving those boxes?
- Everybody needs a hand now and then.
- I could use a hand with the yard work if you're not busy.
- He told of the abuse he had suffered at the hands of prison guards.
- He felt shamed and humiliated by the officious treatment he received at the hands of the pompous men at Immigration.
- He was in surprisingly good humour, considering how much he's suffered at the hands of the puppet.
- Horror stories of what can happen at the hands of a well-meaning but inexperienced neighbour are legion.
- No officer convicted of plotting against him met his end at the hands of the firing squad.
- They suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Hampshire, who won with two wickets to spare.
- They were this nutty two years ago, after taking their second proper walloping at the hands of the Dallas Jerrys.
- When he rang me he was already cross about his treatment at the hands of a previous biographer of Hamilton.
- Women are particularly vulnerable to abuse at the hands of jail guards and criminal inmates.
- The best seats in the house are $150, if you can get your hands on a ticket.
- Besides, Ward's wife will want to get her hands on it.
- Competitors would love to get their hands on that $ 7 billion.
- He was an absolute nonreader until Rosalie got her hands on him the year before.
- I need to get my hands on a big lexicon.
- Maple Leaf has wanted to get its hands on some of Schneider's operations for years.
- The company may need all the products and sales techniques it can get its hands on.
- These days, Parkes finds fans scrapping to get their hands on set lists, drum sticks, and towels.
- They value everything they can get their hands on.
- Government reports, social legislation, anything she could lay her hands on that would better acquaint her with her work.
- He will sell anything he can lay his hands on in exchange for drugs, which includes any information he may have.
- I know exactly where to lay my hands on them.
- I like writing letters and reading anything I can lay my hands on!
- Kabari women use whatever birth control technology they can lay their hands on.
- Looters carried clothes out of shop windows along with anything else they could lay their hands on.
- Monday I felt driven to eat everything I could lay my hands on.
- Some one had to overturn the present political arrangements in the Limousin if he was ever to lay his hands on Hautefort.
- And any missile that came to hand.
- Departmental staff are encouraged to share information as recorded, and other information as it comes to hand.
- Harrison, ever practical and resourceful, took what materials came to hand, and handled them well.
- No suitable material came to hand for the box hedges.
- The first item that came to hand was the flower.
- Then they replaced the nonfiction temporarily, as the volumes came to hand, and started on the second half.
- Until today, that was, when suddenly two very different pieces of information had come to hand.
- You're trying for something that's funky, something that sounds good, and you just grab whatever comes to hand.
- I'd love to get my hands on the guy who slashed my tires.
- Besides, Ward's wife will want to get her hands on it.
- Competitors would love to get their hands on that $ 7 billion.
- He was an absolute nonreader until Rosalie got her hands on him the year before.
- I need to get my hands on a big lexicon.
- Maple Leaf has wanted to get its hands on some of Schneider's operations for years.
- The company may need all the products and sales techniques it can get its hands on.
- These days, Parkes finds fans scrapping to get their hands on set lists, drum sticks, and towels.
- They value everything they can get their hands on.
- Thorpe has had a hand in restoring the 21 houses.
- They also agreed that the participants themselves should have a hand in deciding what they would discuss.
- They strolled hand in hand through the flower garden.
- Emotional thinking, the next step in emotional develop-ment, and attention also go hand in hand.
- Most of us were born in captivity where domestication and maturation work hand in hand.
- On the Internet modernity and pluralism go hand in hand.
- Stars and superstition just seem to go hand in hand.
- The child walking hand in hand with her father.
- The rationality of faith goes hand in hand with the mystery of faith.
- They go hand in hand because the momentum of population growth is so great.
- This, their last wish, was respected, and George and Joseph went to meet their maker hand in hand.
- Emotional thinking, the next step in emotional develop-ment, and attention also go hand in hand.
- Most of us were born in captivity where domestication and maturation work hand in hand.
- On the Internet modernity and pluralism go hand in hand.
- Stars and superstition just seem to go hand in hand.
- The child walking hand in hand with her father.
- The rationality of faith goes hand in hand with the mystery of faith.
- They go hand in hand because the momentum of population growth is so great.
- This, their last wish, was respected, and George and Joseph went to meet their maker hand in hand.
- It is still instinctively held that those involved in engineering science should be useful handymen and will have oil on their hands.
- The Khedive is starting to realize that he might have trouble on his hands.
- They submitted lest they kill him; his death from the fast would have been on their hands.
- As if now I know it will soon be off my hands time has started to move forward again.
- Other men's wives did proper jobs once the children were off their hands.
- Those two girls will soon be off his hands.
- A visit to West Dorset also offers a perfect opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing.
- If you have the urge to try your hand at a grant, do so!
- Isaac Mizrahi tried his hand at the corset, and in the process turned out some fabulous evening dresses.
- It's time to try my hand at the settled life.
- Just like Walsh, too, Robinson first tried his hand at broadcasting.
- Many who are in the process of acquiring these technical skills may wish to try their hand at grantsmanship.
- More than once, more than a dozen times I have been tempted to try my hand at another profession.
- Plenty of Christians have tried their hand at putting their beliefs into prose or poetry, usually with calamitous aesthetic results.
- Adam Burns was probably good at everything he turned his hand to.
- Adult women could often turn their hand to more than one form of casual employment.
- Friday marks the start of a new music programme as Channel 4 turns its hand to dance.
- He has had to be able to turn his hand to almost anything.
- I have turned my hand to trying a bit of writing and I keep meaning to take it up again.
- Roth also turned his hand to poetry, his best-known volume being, as you no doubt guessed, his Shit Poems.
- She can also turn her hand to mending and spotting.
- She turned her hand to short stories, getting two published in the early 1990s.
- But eventually it became clear that things were getting out of hand.
- But has the Fed failed to prevent the imbalances created by the recent boom from getting out of hand?
- But with Estrada, if the allegations are believed, it all seemed to get out of hand.
- Doherty left after behind-the-scenes differences and off-the-set growing pains got out of hand.
- Hundreds of police were poised to intervene if things got out of hand, but they did not.
- I knew things were getting a little out of hand.
- This was getting out of hand.
- Today, we would reject a proposed Bill of Rights out of hand.
- As he would reach up for it, she would stick the spoon in her mouth and then pull her hands down.
- Caroline strode to the windows and plumped her hands down on the sill.
- I pulled my hands down toward her knees.
- If an election had been held then, San Francisco would have won hands down.
- If size is a factor in this, Xerox has succeeded hands down.
- The answer is light, hands down.
- The twin arms of that mechanical gibbet forced his hands down into the liquid, which sizzled and steamed.
- You then bring your hands down and show that the birds have flown.
- Diane has her hands full with housekeeping chores and a new baby.
- I'm sorry I can't help you -- I have my hands full right now.
- The Mexican government had its hands full fighting a war on three fronts.
- You must have your hands full with all this work to do and the children to look after.
- And Brooks would have his hands full.
- And you can bet we have our hands full.
- I know I am going to have my hands full when his session is over.
- So it looks as if the doctors and Osteopaths will continue to have their hands full.
- So when the shutdown finally ends, the agency will have its hands full.
- Steinbach will have his hands full with a pitching staff fresh out of the box.
- The parents and teachers of many of these youngsters have their hands full enough just looking after them.
- You guys have your hands full.
- He was good with his hands.
- The psychologist had said he was good with his hands.
- It was a practical joke that got a little out of hand.
- Police were called in when the situation began to get out of hand.
- Pull or spray garden weeds before they get out of hand.
- The costs have continued to increase, and now seem to be getting out of hand.
- But eventually it became clear that things were getting out of hand.
- But has the Fed failed to prevent the imbalances created by the recent boom from getting out of hand?
- Hundreds of police were poised to intervene if things got out of hand, but they did not.
- My mum used to sit nearby and make sure nothing got out of hand.
- Things started to get out of hand.
- This was getting out of hand.
- We let ourselves get out of hand.
- Ancient oak gave place to modern pine forest on either hand.
- Gaston was a fishmonger who left evidence of his occupation on every hand he shook.
- Mist curled from the water on either hand.
- The drive is spectacular: gorges and tropical rain forests and waterfalls on every hand, but I thought only of Poppy.
- Although she has retired now, she keeps her hand in by giving her grandchildren music lessons.
- He still comes around the gym occasionally, just to keep his hand in.
- For all his pride, he misses the public forum politics provides and wants to keep his hand in somehow.
- He kept his hands in his pockets as they beat him.
- He kept his hands in his pockets so he would not smash Tony Angotti in the face.
- He liked to bow and ruin the effect by keeping his hands in his pockets.
- He moved slowly and cautiously, and kept his hands in clear view.
- Nevertheless, he continued with his finger covered in blood, keeping his hand in his pocket.
- The one-time gifted student kept his hands in his pockets as he listened to the brief proceedings.
- Temperamentally and ideologically, the two men fit hand in glove.
- All night long the thought of his being hand in glove with Harry Martin had lingered at the back of her mind.
- Far from being independent and wary of one another, big government and mainstream media work hand in glove with each other.
- She did the bending and the kneeling, and they worked together hand in glove.
- Temperamentally and ideologically, the two men fit hand in glove.
- The flaw apparently involves the Orion chipset that works hand in glove with the new Pentium Pro or P6 microprocessor.
- This statement fits hand in glove with the Corinthian assertions in 6: 12-13.
- Was he worried that she'd finally found her proof that he was hand in glove with Harry Martin?
- Both policies got a big hand.
- When Tilbey had finished his presentation, Brown got up and asked the thirteen students to give him a big hand.
- It's all hands on deck as the crew work as team to make the show look its best.
- It was all hands on deck as they worked flat out over a weekend in March.
- Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it's not safe.
- The hamburger was tough and overcooked. The fries, on the other hand, were terrific, and well worth the money.
- You want to help your kids as much as you can, but on the other hand, you've got to be careful to help them learn on their own.
- Clinton on the other hand lacks the courage of his cynicism.
- Clinton, on the other hand, understands what Kathie Lee is going through.
- Lind, on the other hand, is a victim of the great urge to simplify.
- Ray, on the other hand, is more of a traditionalist.
- Rickenbacker's whole philosophy, on the other hand, is based upon never making guitars anywhere other than under their own roof.
- Salads on the other hand, are simple, satisfying and sizable.
- The Macintosh, on the other hand, uses the Motorola 68000 and was designed as a closed architecture.
- Your computer, on the other hand, is a digital device.
- I'd like to help you, but you missed the deadline. I'm afraid my hands are tied.
- The company's hands are tied because of government regulations.
- We'd really like to help you, but I'm afraid our hands are tied.
- Bankers argue that their hands are tied by the Fed.
- We're bound hand and foot by all these safety regulations.
- Then, before she realised what was happening, he fastened her in the double stirrups, binding her hands and feet.
- He finally asked for her hand in marriage.
- A fat person, down on his hands and knees, was doing something to the grass between the stones.
- Alan saw that she herself stroked the back of the child's head rhythmically with her right hand.
- But it does mean that weird opinions ought not to be rejected out of hand.
- But then it seemed as if the ball went through or over his hands as he came in front of Washington.
- It made our hands and fingers itch, but the tiny pieces of red flesh were delicious.
- Stories were told about how they had actually done considerable damage to some visiting fans when situations had got out of hand.
- The political opposition, on the other hand, is not convinced.
- When you fall forward, fully conscious or not, you put out your hands to break your fall.
- Calluses grow on the ball of the foot and do not have a nucleus.
- However, I would suggest that you subsequently attack employing the ball of the foot rather than the injured instep.
- Raise your back heel and rest your weight on the ball of the foot.
- The heel of your leading foot should touch the ground, just before the ball of the foot and toes.
- The jumping turning kick: strike with the ball of the foot, keeping the back leg tucked up.
- They'll fight with their bare hands to protect their homeland.
- Firemen dug with their bare hands to free Gemma Kitchiner from the storage pit on her parents' farm.
- He'd strangled two children with his bare hands, then called the police to give himself up.
- He was capable of killing a man with his bare hands.
- I reached out to feel your forehead, but you burned so hot I could not touch you with my bare hands.
- Oyama is famous for fighting bulls with his bare hands.
- The novices empty vats of mutton scraps into the dustbins and pack them down with their bare hands.
- The shaman broke the bones with his bare hands, and used the jagged edges to scratch at his bark.
- With their bare hands, they fought to save the man who had an ear ripped off in the attack.
- If I put my prices up, it's like biting the hand that feeds me - it's economic suicide.
- It is hard to bite the hand that feeds you.
- Somehow, without guidance and peer influence, cricketers are apt to bite the hand that feeds them.
- They are not normally going to bite the hand that feeds them.
- This appears to be a new version of biting the hand that feeds you.
- But I already have too much blood on my hands.
- Dad with blood on his hands.
- He hated to see her with blood on her hands.
- I want him to know he has my son's blood on his hands.
- Republicans spent eight years trying to prove President Clinton had blood on his hands.
- There's blood on my hands, mine or hers I don't know.
- There was blood on his hands and I thought he'd had an accident.
- Advertisers used to go to museums, cap in hand, to ask permission to use a painting for an advertisement.
- But they weren't capable hands.
- I am glad that the business continues to flourish in the capable hands of Rodney Shipsey - the third generation.
- I leave it all in your strong, capable hands.
- It was no affair of his that she had left the London studio in the capable hands of her assistant.
- May the Town Crier remain in the very capable hands of the college students and lecturers for a long time to come.
- Think penitent ... and in less capable hands, downright dull.
- You are in my capable hands.
- The theater recently changed hands.
- But even this little collection of cottage garden produce won't change hands without some stern bargaining.
- He had also been talking for ages to Broadman, and Ymor had seen a piece of paper change hands.
- In 1989, after several years of lagging profits, Lechmere changed hands as a result of a management-led leveraged buyout.
- More than 3 million shares changed hands, more than 14 times the six-month average of 204, 524 shares.
- Mr Adams's defeat in the only Northern Ireland seat to change hands was widely welcomed by nationalist and Unionist politicians.
- No money changed hands, he said.
- The price at which tenancies change hands is currently within the range £115,000 to £155,000.
- The property went into foreclosure and changed hands several times.
- Bull leaned out of the window, gripping the edge of the crumbling sill with spotlessly clean hands.
- I wish I had discovered his method of undertaking glassfibre repairs with clean hands and no brush years ago.
- No one comes to the bargaining table with thoroughly clean hands, but we can be thankful that they still show up.
- Out of this sordid mix of political short-sightedness and commercial greed, no government emerges with clean hands.
- The patient himself may pick one up with clean hands, but no one else.
- Their support is based on a belief that the left governments have clean hands and have improved municipal services.
- It's a back-handed compliment really, you know.
- Sara cupped her hand around the match until it burned steadily.
- Grainne took the hot fragrant wine gratefully, and cupped her hands about the goblet for warmth.
- He cupped his hand around his mouth.
- He cupped his hand over his thing as if it were a flame that might blow out.
- He then shuffled around the room cupping his hand around the chimneys and blowing out one lamp after another.
- Periodically, Felix will turn to Manny, cup his hand and explain to him what has been said.
- Then she cupped her hands around Jack's face and gently pulled him to his feet.
- Trying by cupping his hand over the clasps to avoid the penetrating clicks of opening, George lifted the lid.
- However, they might be a dab hand at needlework or crochet.
- She was a dab hand at couplets, was Rosie.
- They should be dab hands with the diapers, and more in touch with their emotions.
- Workers at the Wellingborough factory are dab hands at turning out unusual orders.
- the dead hand of bureaucracy
- It isn't about the dead hand of the past, the unsettled guilt-edged accounts of history returning to haunt the present.
- State legislatures and Congress are no longer gripped as they once were by the dead hand of privilege.
- Such a move would reimpose the dead hand of state control and political interference.
- The core of the neoliberal argument is the need to free enterprise and initiative from the dead hand of the state.
- The main problem is the dead hand of local authorities, which keep tens of thousands of properties empty.
- Then there was Marta from Spartanburg, who was fleeing the dead hand of middle-class rectitude.
- He's brilliant in job interviews -- he always manages to get the panel eating out of his hand.
- I introduced Mr Wilkinson to my mother, and within minutes she had him eating out of her hand.
- In a second or two a man might have these boys eating out of his hand.
- A pipe-freezing kit makes two plugs of ice either side of the joint so that you can cut through the pipes.
- A trained work elephant then moved up on either side, rather like tugs docking a ship.
- Fry bacon, turning until brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes either side.
- On either side of each barrier it leaves similar pockets of high and low cloud cover, of arid and lush terrain.
- On either side of the road are groves of guava trees.
- The guns chattered out either side of our Huey.
- The hall takes up the central bay through the two storeys; the dining- and drawing-rooms are on either side.
- White dunes made walls on either side of them.
- Somehow, the plans fell into the hands of an enemy spy.
- And for all that, I have fallen into the hands of the Robemaker, he thought angrily.
- It must never fall into the clutches of a political party again.
- The power to play or not fell into the hands of program director Crocker and his peers around the country.
- A firm hand on the reins?
- Although he runs the operation with a firm hand, the Steelers are more like a family than any other team.
- Finally fold the ribbon back on itself and press the strain relief device into position with firm hand pressure.
- In fact, a firm hand might have steered the team on the rocks.
- In other respects careful management and a firm hand pushed up the royal income.
- Lizzy would need a firm hand after this.
- The guests had been selected with a boldness and discrimination in which the initiated recognized the firm hand of Catherine the Great.
- When Barkley Ball was at its peak, there was little need for a firm hand.
- Students in the program are exposed first hand to college life.
- The school deals first hand with all the problems of today's society.
- Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
- Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
- Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
- The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
- These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
- Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
- Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
- And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
- At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
- Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
- International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
- It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
- Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
- Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
- This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
- The governor is trying to force the legislature's hand on this issue.
- They've given me a free hand with the budget, as long as I stay under $10,000.
- Both these factors gave him a freer hand to negotiate.
- He's given me a free hand to buy horses.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- It turns them on and gives them a free hand to be as obnoxious as they want.
- No advanced industrial nation gives corporations a freer hand in busting unions.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- After George had left his basket at home he gave Willie a hand.
- Even so, some one would usually give me a hand or watch, with amusement, from the corners of their eyes.
- I gave her a hand packing up her clothes and stuff.
- I gave her hand a quick, cautious squeeze.
- It shows that some one out there is thinking of us, and giving us a hand along in the world.
- Léonie said to Rose: I'd like to give you a hand.
- Please, man, give me a hand!
- Benedict imprisoned her closer, oblivious to her grubby hands caught against the pristine whiteness of his neckcloth.
- Every grubby penny I can get my grubby hands on, every grubby day of my grubby little life.
- The children are fighting under the tank, catching drips like diamonds in their grubby hands.
- And that is what Aeneas's young son did under the guiding hand of Alecto.
- Eddie was his hero, his guiding light.
- Father Peter, its guiding light, was also its provider of funds and sustenance.
- That will be the guiding light of the next Labour government.
- To followers, he is more than just a guiding light - he is the Messiah.
- Under Mr Yarrow's guiding hand, the reputation of the school was untarnished, these five long years.
- A few guidelines are all that is needed: Be considerate of others, give a helping hand, be safe.
- Britain's champion in the sport has been lending a helping hand.
- Everyone had a view: The proposal was an insult, a helping hand, a roadblock, a learning aid.
- He wasn't even offering her a helping hand, she brooded.
- People do need a helping hand.
- The Basques, romantics to a man, believed that Fate would give Biarritz a helping hand.
- Today, George is still going strong, giving his son, Robin a helping hand with the ploughing.
- Which makes it an excellent jumping off point if you need a helping hand.
- I have a message of hope: the time has come to join hands.
- Li expressed the hope that the two developing powers join hands to develop high-tech industries, especially information technology.
- Physician and theologian join hands in assigning responsibility.
- They joined hands, they twirled round and round and round.
- They want to join hands and share.
- They would not on any account join hands with Lucifer.
- With that, doctor and patient joined hands and bowed their heads as Keys prayed.
- And keep your hands off Maria.
- But today with his mind too preoccupied to work he seemed quite unable to keep his hands off it.
- Couldn't keep our hands off each other.
- I could not keep my hands off them.
- The government should keep its hands off content.
- They had been unable to keep their hands off each other.
- They should stay out where they belong - keep their hands off our people.
- Citizens should not be expected to take the law into their own hands.
- He wouldn't dare lay a finger on any of us.
- I laid a hand on his hair.
- I lay a hand on his chest and felt him breathe, mile after mile through the Kentucky night.
- If she laid a hand on him, what could he do besides run for it?
- Some one laid a hand on me.
- Stuyvesant responded by laying hands on To bias Feake, who delivered the document, arresting and eventually banishing him.
- The odds are that the young man would not have laid a finger on her, but what if ...?
- Lend me a hand with this box.
- He may have lent a hand in the construction of the Jefferys pocket watch and even of H-4.
- I just thought I'd come up and lend a hand.
- I met them leeward of the middle vehicle, where they lent a hand to tip the wheelbarrow into a stable position.
- Joe lent a hand to all, and supplied much of the muscle.
- Nick and I laid out tow ropes to the bow of the raft, and cajoled bystanders to lend a hand.
- Shuttleworth Collection have supplied a copy of the engine manual - who else can lend a hand?
- Uncle Jack fell into the latter category, Ursula vehemently rejecting his offer to lend a hand.
- Women came by from other camps to lend a hand, bringing prashad.
- He lived from hand to mouth making instant resolves every time he opened his mail.
- Teacher To live from hand to mouth.
- The city council took matters into its own hands and set a date for the meeting.
- As a result, some countries have taken matters into their own hands.
- Finally the women of Buntong Tiga can stand it no longer - they take matters into their own hands.
- She then took matters into her own hands.
- She was more than capable of taking matters into her own hands.
- So why not take matters into our own hands?
- The last thing leaders want is Tutsi who survived the genocide taking matters into their own hands.
- When the psycho is caught, then let go on a technicality, Mom takes matters into her own hands.
- An old woman sat veiled in black in a corner; toward whom people nodded or quickly offered their hand.
- Delia Sutherland offered her hand to a young girl in an overall.
- Jotan was getting slowly to his feet, offering his hand to Arkhina.
- We have offered our hand again and again.
- When I look down toward his waist, I see that he has covertly offered his hand.
- Helms is an old hand at backroom politics.
- Blue is an old hand at such compositions and has never had any trouble with them.
- Habitat is an old hand at changing habits of a lifetime.
- Pete Zimmerman is an old hand at water initiatives.
- These were old hands, and Dawn Run was effectively still a novice.
- We are old hands in the public-school system.
- By opposing even a moderate ban on assault weapons, the gun lobby has overplayed its hand.
- Eventually, however, Safdarjung overplayed his hand.
- If his opponents were intent on overplaying their hand, it could only improve his position with the cardinal.
- Should she spell it out to him, or would that fatally overplay her hand?
- The unions overplayed their hand in the end.
- This drove a much harder bargain and, it has been suggested, represents the moment at which Edward overplayed his hand.
- But an extra pair of hands is still needed, especially during busy periods.
- The clinical teacher should be part of the ward team, but must resist becoming an extra pair of hands.
- We could visit a theatre, and there would be an extra pair of hands in the garden.
- She's got the whole committee in the palm of her hand.
- And what good you, you silly fool, playing into my hands like this?
- It plays into the hands of the opposition.
- It would be playing into his hands to react to his deliberate teasing.
- Such action, I believed - and still believe - would have played into the hands of my enemies.
- This, the futures industry frets, would play into the hands of Rep.
- We should be careful not to play into the hands of murderers.
- Whatever he did would play into the hands of Isambard, whose traps were always dual, and could not be evaded.
- Everyone puts his hand out, from cabinet ministers to loan underwriters.
- He put his hand out and there was Lily, quiet and warm beside him.
- He put his hand out, touching his father's cheek.
- Minna put her hands out and I handed her the divorce.
- She tottered, and put her arms out.
- Vern put his hand out this time.
- When she put her hand out, trying to rise, she skittled a row of bottles.
- The FBI caught the mayor red-handed using drugs.
- Campbell Christie takes over the reins at Brockville tomorrow.
- Finally, on November 24, he took over the reins of the Puzzle Palace from the retiring director.
- The younger generation had taken over the reins.
- And ace marksman Aldo is rubbing his hands in glee at the prospect.
- Battle is joined and lawyers are rubbing their hands in anticipation.
- Frankie was rubbing his hands together and Chopper merely nodded now and then with a silly expression on his face.
- Good quality barley is making £151 a tonne so, not unnaturally, both farmers and merchants are rubbing their hands.
- He was rubbing your hands to warm you up.
- Players' agents and satellite salesmen will be rubbing their hands with glee.
- The doctor was rubbing her hands, probably to warm them, but it looked like a gesture of glee and greed.
- Thousands of people will be rubbing their hands with glee.
- Parents want to make sure they're leaving their children in safe hands.
- Ambulances arrived, Ivor and Pauline were in safe hands.
- I believed he was in safe hands.
- If we can tap it successfully - our future is in safe hands.
- My neck and hand were in safe hands-four of them.
- So if it was going to get rough she couldn't be in safer hands.
- He said that he wouldn't be bullied into showing his hand first.
- At Michaelmas 1183 Henry showed his hand.
- For one thing he needed hard evidence, and to get it he would have to show his hand.
- Kingfisher was forced to show its hand after rumours that a bid was in the offing began to circulate on Tuesday.
- Not the time to show our hand.
- Now the government has shown its hand.
- Though nobody on the government side had shown his hand, it was hardly necessary.
- When Dastmalchi called and showed his hand, Tom knew the game was up.
- Most delegates sat on their hands while a few radicals took control of the discussion.
- So we sat on our hands about Sally, because we thought the stakes were higher than the National Enquirer.
- Keep your drug money - I wouldn't want to soil my hands with it.
- A malevolent demon was standing on his head.
- And the hoops were made by soldiers, who turned over and stood on their hands and feet.
- I can do it standing on my head, although I won't.
- Maybe I have to stand on my head to prove I mean it.
- She had a washboard stomach, and her boyfriend would stand on his hands on chairs balanced above her.
- Somehow the doctrine of the Fall had been stood on its head.
- Susan was teaching Wyatt how to stand on his hands.
- We did; the moment the car stopped there I jumped out and stood on my head in the grass.
- There is little we can do to stay his hand without damaging East-West relations.
- But instead of throwing up her hands and blaming the problem on organizational chaos, she stepped back and analyzed the situation.
- Davide had seen the priests, who had shrugged and thrown up their hands indolently at the laundress's problem.
- Even his most recent wife, Mercedes, had thrown up her hands.
- He rounded the bend nearest the building, and nearly dropped the branch for throwing up his hands in frustration.
- Here Abie threw up his hands at the ignorance of policemen.
- Jenny exclaimed to E.. Ames, throwing up her hands.
- Paul Reichmann threw up his hands in protest at the suggestion, but did not utter a sound.
- Then they throw up their hands, wondering why the benefits they have been pursuing never seem to accrue.
- Diane has always wanted to try her hand at acting.
- But he decided to try his hand at writing books and was enormously successful.
- Guinness tried his hand at the new Porter with rather more success than his fellow Dublin brewers.
- If you have the urge to try your hand at a grant, do so!
- Isaac Mizrahi tried his hand at the corset, and in the process turned out some fabulous evening dresses.
- It's time to try my hand at the settled life.
- Many who are in the process of acquiring these technical skills may wish to try their hand at grantsmanship.
- Plenty of Christians have tried their hand at putting their beliefs into prose or poetry, usually with calamitous aesthetic results.
- Sons wanted to try its hand at selling iced tea.
- Police have gained the upper hand over the drug dealers in the area.
- But slowly and surely the followers of Chaos gained the upper hand.
- If the two had been introduced simultaneously, the larger one would invariably have the upper hand.
- Now White gains the upper hand.
- Officials said they might reopen the freeway at 5 p. m. today, perhaps sooner if firefighters gain the upper hand overnight.
- The world can only pray that they do not gain the upper hand.
- Under the proposed law, she would have the upper hand.
- We must destroy them now, while we yet have the upper hand.
- When you have a gun you have the upper hand, it makes you feel big, bad.
- Oliver expects us to wait on him hand and foot.
- Dunbar has already washed his hands of the project.
- Chun was not able to wash his hands of the Kwangju massacre, which dogged him throughout his eight-year rule.
- Did you feel like washing your hands of me again?
- I wash my hands of you.
- Imagine Delwyn Pepper up so in New York, washing his hands of our business.
- In the summer of 1988, King Hussein washed his hands of the territories.
- Let us wash our hands of those who do not care for us.
- The sooner it washes its hands of Mr Haider the better.
- We can not wash our hands of this.
- With the advent of term limits in the state Legislature, Orange County will have the whip hand.
- "I don't know what else to do," Dan said, wringing his hands.
- Antoinette wrung her hands inside her daughter's clasp.
- But you can do more than stand around the coffee bar and wring your hands with your co-workers.
- He wrings his hands like a fly and clinches his eves at the awful sound of that squeaking.
- He wrung his hands in pleasure at her pleasure.
- I am not thinking simply of an inventory of the human woes that people wring their hands about.
- I remember my father standing over her sickbed, wringing his hands, so afraid of losing another child.
- Jenny fretted, wrung her hands.
- She was wringing her hands, pulling at her lovely mane of hair.
- A crossed cheque therefore gives some protection against fraud if it falls into the wrong hands.
- And images of Kurds on tape could fall into the wrong hands.
- But some gun dealers have stopped selling replicas, because they're worried about them falling into the wrong hands.
- Cards falling into the wrong hands cost the industry three hundred pounds every minute.
- I will never allow Kirsty to fall into the wrong hands.
- Pentagon officials say they have already had some success reducing the risk that nuclear materials will fall into the wrong hands.
- Voice over Mr Foulkes is seeking Government safeguards to prevent Rayo from falling into the wrong hands.
WORD FAMILYnounhandhandfuladjectiveunderhandhandyverbhandadverbhandily
1
part of body [countable] the part of your body at the end of your arm, including your fingers and thumb, that you use to hold things: Steve gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands. In her hand was a tattered old photograph.2help a hand help with something – used in the following phrasesneed/want a hand Do you need a hand packing?give/lend (somebody) a hand Can you give me a hand to lift this? If you get stuck, Denise is always willing to lend a hand.I could do with a hand/use a hand (=it would be useful to have some help) We could certainly do with a hand. → a helping hand at help1(9)3control [singular, uncountable] control, power, or influence that someone has: The president has strengthened the hand of the gun lobby. This matter is too important to be left in the hands of (=in the control of) an inexperienced lawyer. a manager with a firm hand (=who controls things strictly)4get out of hand if a situation or person gets out of hand, they become impossible to control any longer: The demonstration was getting out of hand.5on the other hand (also on the one hand ... on the other hand) used to give another opinion or fact that should be considered as well as the one you have just given: I’d like to eat out, but on the other hand I should be trying to save money. ► Don’t say ‘on one hand’. Say on the one hand.6hands off spoken used to say that someone cannot have, take, or touch something: Hey! Hands off that CD! It’s mine! Tell your little brother to keep his hands off my car. → hands-off7in hand a)if something is in hand, it is being done or dealt with: Plans are in hand to perform ‘Oz’ next semester. Lisa seemed to have things in hand by the time he returned.job/task/matter etc in hand Our officers have to concentrate 100 per cent on the task in hand.take somebody in hand (=begin to deal with someone’s problems etc) b)British English if you work a week, a month etc in hand, you do not get paid until after you have worked two weeks, two months etc c)British English if you have time, money etc in hand, you have it available: I usually have a few days’ leave in hand at the end of the year. d)British English if a team or player has a game in hand in a competition, they still have another game to play in which they could gain more points8in the hands of somebody/in somebody’s hands being dealt with or cared for by someone: The matter is in the hands of the police.in good/safe/capable etc hands You can be sure your children are in good hands. The fear is that nuclear secrets could fall into the wrong hands. ► Don’t say ‘in the hand of someone’. Say in the hands of someone. → a safe pair of hands at safe1(12)9hands up a)with your arms straight up in the air – used especially to tell someone to do this as a sign that they will not attack you: Hands up! You’re under arrest! The men emerged from the building with their hands up. b)used to tell people to put their arm straight up in the air if they know the answer to a question or want to say something: Hands up if you agree with what Eric was saying.10at hand formal a)likely to happen soon: Recent economic performance suggests that a major crisis is at hand. b)close to you and available to be used: Don’t worry, help is at hand! c)needing to be dealt with now: Peter turned his attention to the task at hand.11to hand British English something that is to hand is close to you, so that you can reach it easily12on hand close by and ready when needed: Our staff are always on hand to help.13by hand a)done or made by a person rather than a machine: We had to wash our clothes by hand. b)delivered by someone personally, rather than being sent through the post, emailed etc14(at) first hand if you know or experience something first hand, you have personal experience of it: a chance to view at first hand the workings of the court15(at) second/third/fourth hand if you know something second, third etc hand, someone tells you about it, but you have no personal experience of it: Until now, information has been second or third hand, but this news comes from someone who was there.16at the hands of somebody caused or done by a particular person – used about something bad or unpleasant that someone does: Anyone who suffered at the hands of care workers will be entitled to compensation. This is their third defeat at the hands of the world champions.17get your hands on something informal to succeed in getting something: She’s only marrying him to get her hands on his money.18lay your hands on something to find or get something: I would read any book I could lay my hands on.19come to hand if something comes to hand, it is there for you to use – used especially about something that is there by chance: They ran, picking up whatever weapons came to hand.20get your hands on somebody spoken to catch someone you are angry with: Just wait till I get my hands on you!21have a hand in something to influence or be involved in something: He had a hand in both goals.22hand in hand a)(go) hand in hand if two things go hand in hand, they are closely connected: Wealth and power go hand in hand in most societies.hand with They say that genius often goes hand in hand with madness. b)if two people walk, stand etc hand in hand, they walk, stand etc while they are holding each other’s hand: They walked hand in hand in silence up the path.23have something/somebody on your hands to have a difficult job, problem, situation etc to deal with: I’m afraid we have a murder on our hands, Inspector.24be off your hands if something or someone is off your hands, you are not responsible for them anymore: Once this problem is off our hands we can relax for a while.take somebody/something off somebody’s hands She wants someone to take the kids off her hands occasionally.25try your hand at (doing) something to try to do something you have not tried before: John dreamed of being a writer and had tried his hand at poetry.26turn your hand to (doing) something to do something well, even if it is the first time you have tried: Larry’s one of those men who can turn their hand to anything.27out of hand without even stopping to consider what someone has suggested, asked for etcreject/dismiss/refuse etc something out of hand Aromatherapy was dismissed out of hand by traditional doctors.28hands down easilywin (something)/beat somebody hands down Nigel always won hands down in any argument.29have your hands full to be very busy or too busy: Can’t it wait? I already have my hands full.30good with your hands skilful at making things31on either/every hand written on both sides or in every direction: Thick forest stood on either hand.32get your hands dirty a)informal to do hard or dirty physical work – usually used in questions or negative statements: It’s not that the jobs aren’t there, it’s just that she doesn’t want to get her hands dirty. b)to get involved in the difficult, dishonest, or unpleasant side of something: He never talked to the media or got his hands dirty in any way.33keep your hand in to do something that you used to do a lot, so you do not forget how to do it: You should at least work part-time, just to keep your hand in.34hand in glove closely connected with someone, especially in an illegal activity: Far from being independent, the government and media work hand in glove.35hand over fist informal if you gain or lose something hand over fist, you gain or lose it very quickly: Five years ago, the company was losing money hand over fist.36a big hand spoken used to tell the people who are watching a performance to clap or cheer loudly: Let’s all give the girls a big hand.37all hands on deck (also all hands to the pumps British English) informal used to say that everyone is needed to help in a particular situation: With only half an hour to get everything ready, it was all hands on deck.38the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing used to say that two parts of an organization that should be doing the same thing are each doing different things without the other knowing39worker [countable] someone who does physical work on a farm, factory, ship etc: farm hands40cards [countable] a)the playing cards given to one person in a game: a winning hand b)a single game of cards41clock [countable] a long thin piece of metal that points at the numbers on a clockhour/minute/second hand42writing [singular] old-fashioned someone’s handwriting43somebody’s hands are tied if someone’s hands are tied, they cannot help in a particular situation because of rules, laws etc: The bank claims its hands are tied by federal regulators.44tie/bind somebody hand and foot a)to tie up someone’s hands and feet b)to make it very difficult or impossible for someone to do what they think is best45can do something with one hand (tied) behind your back spoken used to say that you can do something very easily46not do a hand’s turn British English old-fashioned informal to do no work at all47somebody’s hand (in marriage) old-fashioned permission for a man to marry a particular woman: He asked for her hand in marriage.48horse [countable] a unit for measuring the height of a horse, equal to about ten centimetres → cash-in-hand, freehand, hands-on, left-hand, right-hand, → be an old hand (at something) at old(17), → bite the hand that feeds you at bite1(15), → have blood on your hands at blood1(2), → have your hands/fingers in the till at till2(3), → force somebody’s hand at force2(7), → overplay your hand at overplay(2), → shake somebody’s hand/shake hands with somebody at shake1(4), → wash your hands of something at wash1(5)COLLOCATIONSadjectivessomebody’s right/left hand· She held the book in her right hand.somebody’s free hand (=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.a gloved hand (=covered with a glove)· He stretched out a gloved hand.an outstretched hand (=stretched out towards someone or something)· She took her father’s outstretched hand and began to walk from the room.somebody’s cupped hand (=in the shape of a cup)· Hamil shook the dice in his cupped hand.verbswave your hand· Marta waved a hand to attract his attention.clap your hands· They were singing and clapping their hands.wash your hands· Go wash your hands before dinner.hold hands (with somebody)· Joanne and Kevin held hands on the sofa.shake somebody’s hand (also shake hands with somebody)· ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said, as they shook hands.take somebody’s hand (=hold someone’s hand)· He reached across the table and took her hand in his.take somebody by the hand (=hold someone’s hand in order to take them somewhere)· She took the boy by the hand and led him across the street.join hands (=take hold of the hands of people on either side of you)· They stood in a circle and joined hands.clasp your hands (=hold them together tightly)· Emily clasped her hands together and stood there nervously.fold your hands (=put your hands together and rest them on something)· Lily folded both hands on her stomach.raise your hand (also put your hand up) (=lift your hand, especially when you want to ask or answer a question)· If you know the answer, raise your hand.somebody’s hands shake/tremble· His hands trembled as he lifted the cup.somebody’s hand holds something· His other hand was holding his mobile phone.somebody’s hand touches something· Daniel’s hand touched mine.somebody’s hand grips something (=hold something firmly)· Her hands gripped the steering wheel very tightly.somebody’s hand grabs/grasps something (=take and hold something firmly)· He felt Connor’s hand grasp his shoulder.somebody’s hand tightens· Her hand tightened on the knife handle.nounsa hand movement· The disease means she has trouble controlling her hand movements.a hand gesture/signal (=a movement of your hand to show what you mean)· He made a rude hand gesture at the other driver.phrasesin somebody’s hand· He had a suitcase in his hand.on your hands and knees (=in a crawling position)· They got down on their hands and knees to search.the palm of your hand (=the inside surface of your hand)· The phone could fit into the palm of his hand.the back of your hand (=the outside surface of your hand)· Let a dog sniff the back of your hand, rather than your fingers.with your bare hands (=without using a tool, weapon, machine etc)· With his bare hands he forced the doors apart.hand1 nounhand2 verb
handhand2 ●●○ W2 verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
hand
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | hand |
| he, she, it | hands | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | handed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have handed |
| he, she, it | has handed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had handed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will hand |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have handed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am handing |
| he, she, it | is handing | |
| you, we, they | are handing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was handing |
| you, we, they | were handing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been handing |
| he, she, it | has been handing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been handing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be handing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been handing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- As the delegates entered the room they were each handed a name-badge.
- The nurse handed me a glass of brown liquid and told me to drink it.
- Would you please hand your ticket to the man at the door.
- Alternatively, you can pay £2266 and get the whole kit without handing over your old parts.
- Here, you simply hand over your money to a stockbroker.
- I said, and handed it back.
- It's not just the gross amounts of money that have been handed out to undeserving executives.
- The boy handed him a limp paper bag that smelled of tuna fish.
- Therefore, are we not wise in being extremely cautious before we hand over our money supply to a third party?
Longman Language Activatorto give something to someone without expecting to be paid for it
: give somebody something · I gave my nieces and nephews $20 each.· Why don't we give her some flowers for her birthday?· Let me give you some advice.· They gave me this leaflet - it's really helpful.· Can you give me a ride to the office tomorrow?give something to somebody · Would you give this letter to your uncle when you see him?· Russell was accused of giving secret information to the enemy.
to give something to someone, especially something that they have asked for or something that they need: · She lets her kids have anything they want.· One of my mum's friends was getting a new sofa, and so she let us have the old one.· If you could let me have your suggestions, it would be very helpful.
to give something that you own to someone else, especially because you do not want it or need it: give away something: · I gave away most of my old furniture because I didn't have room for it in my new apartment.give something away: · He decided to give all his money away and become a Buddhist monk.give something away to somebody: · I don't need all this stuff - I'll give it away to the first person who asks for it.
to give something to someone by putting it in their hand or putting it near them, especially because they cannot reach it themselves: · Could you pass the salt, please?pass somebody something: · Would you pass me my sweater? It's on the back of your chair.pass something to somebody: · Ellis quickly passed the note to the woman, looking around to check that no one had noticed.
to take something in your hand and give it to someone by putting it in their hand: hand somebody something: · The nurse handed me a glass of brown liquid and told me to drink it.· As the delegates entered the room they were each handed a name-badge.hand something to somebody: · Would you please hand your ticket to the man at the door.
to quickly give someone something small such as money or a piece of paper, by putting it into their hand, especially so that other people do not notice: slip somebody something: · I know it's a private party, but if you slip the doorman $5, he'll let you in.slip something into somebody's hand/pocket etc: · During the meeting, she reached under the table and slipped a note into my hand.
if you can spare a particular amount of something, you can only give that amount but no more because you need the rest for yourself: · If anyone can spare a couple of hours a week to help out, it would be much appreciated.· Dad, can you spare a fiver?spare somebody something: · We don't have very much coffee, I'm afraid, but we can spare you a little.
to give something to everyone in a group to give something to all the people in a group: hand out/give out something: · The princess plans to hand out gifts at a children's hospital tomorrow.· Don't start the test until I've finished giving out the question papers.hand/give out something to somebody: · Outside the embassy, students were handing out leaflets to everyone who walked past.hand/give something out: · I need some volunteers to hand programs out tonight.
also pass round British if a group of people pass something around , one person takes it and gives it to the next person, who then gives it to the next person: pass around something: · They passed around a list, and we each had to sign our name.pass something around: · Don't keep all the chocolates to yourself - pass them around!
to give things out to a large number of people, especially in an organized way: · Aid agencies are calling for local volunteers to help them distribute food and medicine.distribute something to somebody: · The Red Cross has started distributing food and blankets to villages in the flood area.distribute something among somebody: · Medical supplies have been distributed among families affected by the epidemic.
to divide something into equal parts and give a part to each person: share out something: · As long as they share out the profits fairly, everyone will be happy.share something out: · Take these cookies and share them out.share out something among/between somebody: · We've got three pizzas to share out between five people.· More than $1.7 million has been shared out among victims of the disaster.
also hand round British to go from person to person offering or politely giving them something such as a drink, food, etc: hand around something: · Dorothy was handing around coffee and biscuits when we arrived.· I'm handing round a summary of last week's lecture.hand something around: · Would you mind helping me hand the crackers around, please?
to give food and drinks to people, for example at a restaurant or a party: · Dinner will be served at 8.30.· Don't forget to serve the guests first.serve something to somebody: · We don't serve alcohol to anyone under 21.serve somebody with something: · As soon as they sat down, they were served with steaming bowls of soup.
to give something, especially food or money, to people who are waiting to receive it: dish/dole out something: · They want me to dress up as Santa Claus, and dish out presents at the kids' Christmas party.· The federal government doles out $58 billion in student grants every year.dish/dole something out: · Jo, would you dish the ice cream out?dish/dole out something to somebody: · Air stewardesses were doling out meals to the passengers.
to give something to someone who had it before to give something to the person who gave it to you: give something back: · Don't forget to give my pen back when you've finished with it.give something back to somebody: · He still hasn't given that book back to me.give somebody something back: · I looked at the letter, then gave her it back.· We'll have to cancel the show and give the audience their money back.
to give something back to someone by hand: hand something back (to somebody): · Here's the file you want. Please hand it back when you've finished with it.· The official looked at her identity card carefully and then handed it back to her.hand back something (to somebody): · Teachers will hand back student assignments after the vacation.· She handed back the photograph to him.
formal to give something to the person or organization that owns it, especially after you have borrowed it from them: · You must return all your library books before the end of the year.return something to somebody: · Your passport will be returned to you when you check out of your hotel.return something to its rightful owner (=give something back to the person who has the right to own it): · Since the end of the war, many of the paintings have been found and returned to their rightful owners.
formal to give something valuable back to its owner, especially after it has been taken from them: restore something to somebody: · In 1905 both Japan and Russia agreed to restore Manchuria to China.restore something to its rightful owner (=give something back to the person who has the right to own it): · After decades of colonial rule, the land was finally restored to its rightful owners.
to give something to someone in authority to give something to someone in authority, for example to the police or a teacher: hand/give in something: · When you leave the hotel, please hand in your key at the desk.· Luckily, someone gave in her purse at the lost property office.hand/give something in: · Have you given your English assignment in yet?
to give something such as weapons or important documents to the police or to government officials, when you should not legally have them or you have been officially asked to give them: turn something in/over: · Police are encouraging people to turn illegal weapons in at their local police station.turn in/over something to somebody: · The government is refusing to turn over the documents to the UN inspection team.
to give something to someone because they have asked or forced you to: hand over something: · The robbers forced them to hand over the money.· "Give us a bit of your rum," he said. Virginia handed over the bottle. hand something over: · If you don't hand it over I'll shoot!
to give a prisoner to another group of people, especially the police or the people in authority in another country: hand/turn somebody over to somebody: · The terrorists were taken to the airport, where they were handed over to the French authorities.hand/turn over somebody: · The kidnappers promised to go to the embassy and turn over all their hostages within 24 hours.
to give information or documents to another person: · Officials admitted that they failed to pass on important information.pass on something to somebody: · It was discovered that he had been passing secrets on to the Russians whilst working at the Pentagon.pass something on to somebody: · He was accused of stealing secret documents and passing them on to the enemy.
formal to give your power or possessions to someone else because you have been forced to or have agreed to: · The President has indicated that he intends to surrender power on February 7th.surrender something to somebody: · They promised to abide by the peace agreement and surrender all their weapons to the occupying forces.
to let someone else have your possessions or rights by officially signing a legal document: · With a stroke of the pen he signed away his claim to the family estate.· Her husband has tricked her into signing away her rights to the property.sign something away: · "I have no intention whatsoever of signing my inheritance away," she informed him coldly.
to let someone else have your position, power or rights, especially unwillingly: · The Prince was persuaded to relinquish his claim to the throne.· The United States is pressing the rebel army to relinquish power.
to officially give control of something to someone else: hand over something (to somebody) · In 1997 the sovereignty of Hong Kong was handed over to China.· It was only after many legal battles that he agreed to hand over the farm.hand something over (to somebody) · She was forced to hand executive control over to the new board.
: transfer power/responsibility/control etc to officially give it to another person, organization, or country: transfer something to somebody: · The military government is refusing to transfer power to a democratically elected civilian government.· In 1923 the ownership of the forest was transferred to a rich Dutch family.
to officially give something such as money or property by signing a legal document, so that it then belongs to someone else: make over something to somebody: · Before he died he made over the family business to his daughter.make something over to somebody: · Elderly people sometimes unknowingly make huge sums of money over to unscrupulous business advisers.
to leave a job or organization · "Where's Marcia?" "Oh, she left last week to have her baby."· The directors did not want Daniel to leave, but they knew he could earn much more somewhere else.· I left my last job because I couldn't get along with my boss.· Chamberlain was a Cabinet Minister until he left the Liberal party in 1886.· After leaving the Navy, he started a new career in journalism.
to leave a job or organization especially because you are not happy with it, or because you think you could do better somewhere else: · I've had enough of the way I'm treated here -- I quit!· She quite her job and went traveling in South America.quit as: · Harkness quit as director of the Olympic Regional Development Authority soon afterwards.
to officially and permanently leave a job, for example because you are no longer happy with it, or because the people you work with do not think you are doing it properly: · Nixon was the first US President to resign before the end of his term of office.· I wanted to resign, but my boss persuaded me to stay.resign from: · She resigned from the board after profits fell by a further 3%.· Roberts replaces Jacob Winters, who resigned from the firm last month.resign as: · The following years, he resigned as chairman of the committee.resign your post/position: · The manager was forced to resign his post after allegations of corruption.
to permanently leave your job, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: · In the UK, men usually retire in their late 50s or early 60s.· If you retire at 50, you won't get your full pension.retire from: · When Jean retired from modelling, she moved to Cornwall.· Jim Rutland retired from the Navy last year.retire as: · He retired as Principal ten years ago, but still does a lot of fund-raising for the school.
to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: · You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.· The Foreign Minister officially handed in his resignation on December 11th.
British informal to leave your job, especially because you are bored with it: · Look if it's such a boring job, why don't you just jack it in?· Sometimes I feel like packing it all in and going off on a round-the-world trip.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He had killed a man with his bare hands. rough calloused hands He was caught red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking money from the cash register. ‘Mick!’ She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I’d forgotten!’ Fenella leaned forward, clasping her hands around her knees. She stood with her hands clasped tightly together. She clasped the photograph in her hands. A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). a hand-crafted silver cigar case Mary dried her hands. I spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came home empty-handed. George extended his hand (=offered to shake hands). We must not let these documents fall into the wrong hands. These children need a firm hand. He used his free hand to open the door. Manufacturers are rubbing their hands with glee as they prepare to cash in. There was fierce hand-to-hand fighting in the streets of the city. They were defeated in hand-to-hand combat. a hands-off style of management The government has a hands-off approach to the industry. a chance to get some hands-on experience of the job He has a very hands-on approach to management. She’s been giving me a helping hand with the children. He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. I grew up here; I know the place like the back of my hand (=I know it very well). Students were handing out election leaflets at the station. We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. She lifted her hand to knock on the door once again. Pam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug. Making notes is the best way of keeping your mind on the task at hand. She ran to meet them with outstretched arms. She felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her. He held the pebble in the palm of his hand. Control of these services has now passed into the hands of the local authorities. Raise your hand if you know the right answer. The business is in the hands of the receivers. the right-hand side of the body the bottom right-hand corner of the page He rubbed his hands together with embarrassment. second-hand accounts of mass killings We got most of our furniture second hand. It may not be true – I only heard it second hand. One of them tied her hands behind her back. Be careful, he’s got wandering hands.
(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps
(=a bag you are allowed to carry with you onto a plane)· You are only allowed one item of hand baggage on the plane.
He had killed a man with his bare hands. (=beat someone very easily)· He should be able to beat them all hands down.
(=going towards the left or the right)· Take the turning just after the left-hand bend in the road.
(=hit your hands together with enthusiasm, to show you have enjoyed a performance)
(also the emergency brake, the parking brake American English) (=one you apply with your hand, to stop the car moving when parked)· I tried to drive off with the hand brake still on.
(=a small one that you hold in your hand)· The calculations can be done using a hand-held calculator.
rough calloused hands (=one that is not new)· The company locates suitable new and used cars for buyers.
He was caught red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking money from the cash register. ‘Mick!’ She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I’d forgotten!’ Fenella leaned forward, clasping her hands around her knees. She stood with her hands clasped tightly together. She clasped the photograph in her hands.· Make sure you have clean hands before you eat.
(=the long thin pieces that point at the numbers)· The hands on the clock said ten past two.
A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). (=not new)· Charity shops sell second-hand clothes at low prices.
(=in which you are close enough to touch your opponent)· Thousands of men were killed in hand-to-hand combat in less than 24 hours.
· We followed the path to the left-hand corner of the field.
· Put your address in the top right-hand corner of the page.
a hand-crafted silver cigar case (=immediately, without thinking about it)· It's an interesting idea so don't dismiss it out of hand.
· Have you looked in the left-hand drawer?
Mary dried her hands. I spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came home empty-handed.· Add up what you've got on the right-hand side of the equation.
· Half the class failed to hand in their essay on time.
(=with just enough food or money to live)· The survivors lived a hand-to-mouth existence until they were rescued.
(=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school.
(=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep.
George extended his hand (=offered to shake hands). We must not let these documents fall into the wrong hands. (=someone will decide what happens to you)· His fate is now in the hands of the judge.
These children need a firm hand. He used his free hand to open the door. (=officially say that you want a friendly relationship)· America extended the hand of friendship, but it was rejected.
· Native Australians hand down stories and songs from generation to generation.
Manufacturers are rubbing their hands with glee as they prepare to cash in.· A left-hand glove was found at the scene of the crime.
There was fierce hand-to-hand fighting in the streets of the city. They were defeated in hand-to-hand combat. a hands-off style of management The government has a hands-off approach to the industry. a chance to get some hands-on experience of the job He has a very hands-on approach to management. She’s been giving me a helping hand with the children. He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms. (=hold each other’s hands) They sat holding hands under a tree.
They sat holding hands under a tree. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. (=give it to the teacher)· You must hand in your homework by Friday.
(=give homework you have done to your teacher)· He always hands his homework in on time.
I grew up here; I know the place like the back of my hand (=I know it very well). (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war
Students were handing out election leaflets at the station. We live about halfway down the street on the left-hand side. (=put yourself in a dangerous situation)· Just crossing this road is taking your life in your hands.
She lifted her hand to knock on the door once again. Pam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug. (=on the right of the page)· There were some notes written in the right-hand margin.
(=on the left of the page)· All typing begins at the left-hand margin.
old-fashioned (=ask someone to marry you, or ask their parents for permission to marry)· He asked my father for my hand in marriage.
(also the matter in hand British English) (=the thing you are dealing with now)· Do not let yourself be distracted from the matter in hand.
Making notes is the best way of keeping your mind on the task at hand. (=used to say who has made someone go through something painful or difficult)· She has only just revealed her ordeal at the hands of her stepfather.
She ran to meet them with outstretched arms.· The answers are on the right-hand page.
She felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her. He held the pebble in the palm of his hand. Control of these services has now passed into the hands of the local authorities.· I saw him wandering along the beach with his hands in his pockets.
(=operated by your hand or foot)
(=give people punishments)· The courts are handing out harsher punishments to reckless drivers.
Raise your hand if you know the right answer. The business is in the hands of the receivers. (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners.
(=say that you are going to leave an organization)· I'm thinking of handing in my resignation.
the right-hand side of the body the bottom right-hand corner of the page He rubbed his hands together with embarrassment. second-hand accounts of mass killings We got most of our furniture second hand. It may not be true – I only heard it second hand. (=officially give someone a sentence)· The judge imposed a three-year sentence.
· On the left-hand side list the skills and qualifications required for the job.
(=make them more powerful)· The controversy has strengthened the hand of her critics.
One of them tied her hands behind her back. (=to be caught stealing from your employer)
Be careful, he’s got wandering hands. (=very easily or by a large amount)· Everyone expected Sam to win hands down.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· Then Baker handed the ball to Hernandez for two innings, and then to Beck.· I reached in and handed him the ball.
· Feeling slightly unreal, Joe handed up his card.· At one point Jeffries walked in, trailed by Taiwo, and appeared to hand a card to a student.· He was handed back his identity card.· You hand your smart card to the cashier at a restaurant and she runs it through a scanner.· Antonio fished in his back pocket and handed him a card.· The taxi-driver in Glasgow handed Carole Lacey his card.· Polite brides will hand out more cards to thank guests for sharing their special day.
· Steven White, 21, terrified staff at five banks into handing over cash, Southwark Crown Court heard.· A leading councillor is concerned about the way the Government is handing out community care cash.· If they guessed on which side it fell, he handed over £100 cash.· In each of the robberies the raider handed over notes demanding cash and claiming he had a gun.
· Although his eyes were red, the young man seemed calm - until Huy handed him a cup of beer.· He took a gulp and handed his cup to her.· As she handed him his cup the telephone rang.· She handed them their cups of tea.· It couldn't have, judging by her expression as she stood there handing him a cup of tea.· Zahara handed Jane a cup of water.· Alexei drank a little of the sweet wine, then handed his cup to Jotan.· Silently she handed him her cup and watched him sip it appreciatively, his eyes on hers the entire time.
· The commission will seek to arbitrate a resolution before handing down a decision in late summer.· Just a few months earlier, the Supreme Court had handed down a decision inviting states to pass abortion restrictions.· In 1969, the U. S. Supreme Court handed down a historic decision that challenged the reasonableness test.· Nor will courts building upon Roe be likely to hand down erroneous decisions as a consequence.· Barr asserted that Congress should act to forestall the inevitable confusion and litigation when the Hawaii court hands down its decision.
· As soon as she'd entered the hotel she'd been handed a white envelope containing a fax message.· He dug into his coat and handed Miguel a thick envelope.· Kevin had handed Fat Freddy an envelope on the steps of the bank.· Verdugo hands guests small white envelopes soliciting donations for funerals and reconstruction of the shrine.· He then hands Primo a letter-sized envelope.
· She went into the bathroom and added water to the whisky, then came back out and handed him a glass.· He handed her the glass of iced water and began to pace up and down restlessly.· He brings the drinks silently and hands me a glass.· With that in mind Charity should have firmly handed back the glasses.· I handed Glen the glass with ice, pouring Scotch into it.· She sipped the bubbly liquid and handed the glass back to Adrienne who sat down close beside her.
· But by handing over the keys he did not necessarily escape his debts.· Rob handed over the Toyota keys.· He handed over the keys to Angoulême and Montignac and their walls too were razed to the ground.· They handed a set of keys and a book of records over to me.· The effect was akin to handing the keys of a fast car to a young and irresponsible driver.· His bland face showed no expression as she filled out the registration form and he handed her a key.· I handed Richie the keys to the truck and tried not to think too hard about the journey home.· A clerk told him the number of his reserved room, and handed a bellboy the key.
· They used to travel around a lot, handing out leaflets and things.· Some one from the Spartacus League, a radical political group, hands out leaflets from the sidewalk.· Persons who hand out leaflets clearly distribute them, and so might be guilty under section 4.· Oswald was handing out leaflets in the street.· The supermarket may hand out pretty green-and-white leaflets boasting its environmental concerns.· This kind of approach is far more effective than handing out government information leaflets.· One of them was dressed in a Bugs Bunny rabbit costume and was handing out leaflets.
· Councillor Tait has now been handed a letter which expresses concern over Mr Gilbert's dual role.· At the head of the line, I attempted once more to hand over my letter, and to explain.· If handing over the letters was what it took, then so be it.· Well, perhaps handing him a letter is best.· He had read the number off the old-fashioned dial phone as he handed his last letter in.· Ruth handed the letter to Ernest.
· Therefore, are we not wise in being extremely cautious before we hand over our money supply to a third party?· Briefly, it would require making Fong rich without actually handing him the money.· There's no greater pleasure than handing over money to a local supplier who helps make life easier.· Cashiers learned to hand over the money as soon as they appeared.· You handed me back that money, remember?· It was not an indiscriminate method of handing out money to all and sundry.· The greying gunman pulled the weapon out of a carrier bag and threatened to shoot a cashier unless she handed over money.
· The sailors face split into a grin for the first tame when Yanto handed him four pound notes.· Without a word he sprung to his feet and handed Mitchell a note, folded carefully into quarters.· Balvinder got out his wallet and handed two 100-rupee notes to his neighbour.· Nico was about to move on, when I, seated at counsel table, handed him a note.· The moment I arrived the proprietress handed me a note with Bobbie's decisive writing on the envelope.· I fumbled in my back pocket and handed him the crumpled note.· Robert Floyd had walked into Binns in Darlington and handed a note to the 24-year-old assistant on the perfume counter.· I tried to hand him back the notes.
· On Wednesday she handed in her notice to the managing director, who was touchingly reluctant to accept it.· But she has now handed in her notice and will leave the £15,000-a-year job in a fortnight.· The day that! handed in my notice I went and put a deposit on a new car.
· After a few minutes Rose handed the paper back to him.· He handed a twist of paper to Mrs Goreng.· Colleagues in whom he had boundless confidence had handed him papers which he had signed without reading them.· He wondered why he felt helpless as she handed him the paper bag and patted his arm.· Yet she hands back the paper with loops and letters from first line to last.· The counselor handed me the paper.
· As with all great adventures and challenges, the rewards and achievements are not handed out on a plate.· Some one hands me a plate heaped with food and a plastic spoon, and I taste the salty, luscious beans.· When I sat down I was handed a plate made of real china which had bread and butter and cakes on it.· As he finished he smiled and handed me the empty plate.· They handed me a cardboard plate on which was an apple, a slice of cake, and some homemade toffee.
· We break that trust by handing over power to unelected people without any mechanism for changing their decisions.· His proposal effectively would trigger the untested constitutional process for handing over power to Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.· He then handed power to an elected government, but it failed to stop the economic decline.· In allowing life to grow in the womb, a woman is partly handing over to powers outside her conscious control.· His attempt to introduce democracy by handing over power to the elected president in 1993 failed.· We have handed over that power.· The people, by a tacit and irrevocable act of delegation, had handed over their powers to the monarch.· Handing over the power to tax and spend means handing over the power to govern.
· On his birthday, Hal himself may hand the reins to a new science fiction image of the future.· Nicholson, 58, becomes the second Colorado politician this week to be handed the reins of a national party.
· A second lesson is that the heavy sentence handed down on Wacker will not deter the trade.· Death sentences were handed down to eight of the accused.· He knew the sentences that had been handed down to his associates.· He upheld the death sentences handed down by lower courts.
· After a week, Loppe handed the task back to Galiot, mentioning that business required him in Kouklia.· If he does play, Mowbray is likely to be handed the demanding task of subduing Mark Hateley.
VERB· Miss Rose and Uncle Billy; holding hands on the front row.· They were sitting there holding hands.
· I don't have faith because I have always refused to hand over my reason.
· She remembered John moving off to shake hands along a chain fence, his face rigid in the gray drizzle.· We shook hands a second time.· You can almost see the Page 1 picture now of the president and the network chiefs all shaking hands next week.· I liked shaking hands at the end of the third round.· He watched them shake hands and embrace.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► hand something ↔ overPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush)► bury your face/head in your hands► I/you can count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand► the devil makes/finds work for idle hands► dirty your hands► with your own fair hands► the flat of somebody’s hand/a knife/a sword etc► time hangs/lies heavy on your hands► have/hold something in your hot little hand► knacker your elbow/hand etc► the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing► left-handed compliment► hand in your notice/give (your) notice► I’ve only got one pair of hands► a safe pair of hands► hand/give/offer somebody something on a plate► press somebody’s hand/arm► be putty in somebody’s hands► rule somebody with an iron fist/hand► a safe pair of hands► shake somebody’s hand/shake hands with somebody► talk to the hand► throw in your hand► have your hands/fingers in the till► wring somebody’s hand
- Just a few months earlier, the Supreme Court had handed down a decision inviting states to pass abortion restrictions.
- She is expected soon to hand down a ruling.
- The commission will seek to arbitrate a resolution before handing down a decision in late summer.
- You have to hand it to her. She's really made a success of that company.
- Calluses grow on the ball of the foot and do not have a nucleus.
- However, I would suggest that you subsequently attack employing the ball of the foot rather than the injured instep.
- Raise your back heel and rest your weight on the ball of the foot.
- The heel of your leading foot should touch the ground, just before the ball of the foot and toes.
- The jumping turning kick: strike with the ball of the foot, keeping the back leg tucked up.
- They'll fight with their bare hands to protect their homeland.
- Firemen dug with their bare hands to free Gemma Kitchiner from the storage pit on her parents' farm.
- He'd strangled two children with his bare hands, then called the police to give himself up.
- He was capable of killing a man with his bare hands.
- I reached out to feel your forehead, but you burned so hot I could not touch you with my bare hands.
- Oyama is famous for fighting bulls with his bare hands.
- The novices empty vats of mutton scraps into the dustbins and pack them down with their bare hands.
- The shaman broke the bones with his bare hands, and used the jagged edges to scratch at his bark.
- With their bare hands, they fought to save the man who had an ear ripped off in the attack.
- If I put my prices up, it's like biting the hand that feeds me - it's economic suicide.
- It is hard to bite the hand that feeds you.
- Somehow, without guidance and peer influence, cricketers are apt to bite the hand that feeds them.
- They are not normally going to bite the hand that feeds them.
- This appears to be a new version of biting the hand that feeds you.
- But I already have too much blood on my hands.
- Dad with blood on his hands.
- He hated to see her with blood on her hands.
- I want him to know he has my son's blood on his hands.
- Republicans spent eight years trying to prove President Clinton had blood on his hands.
- There's blood on my hands, mine or hers I don't know.
- There was blood on his hands and I thought he'd had an accident.
- Advertisers used to go to museums, cap in hand, to ask permission to use a painting for an advertisement.
- But they weren't capable hands.
- I am glad that the business continues to flourish in the capable hands of Rodney Shipsey - the third generation.
- I leave it all in your strong, capable hands.
- It was no affair of his that she had left the London studio in the capable hands of her assistant.
- May the Town Crier remain in the very capable hands of the college students and lecturers for a long time to come.
- Think penitent ... and in less capable hands, downright dull.
- You are in my capable hands.
- The theater recently changed hands.
- But even this little collection of cottage garden produce won't change hands without some stern bargaining.
- He had also been talking for ages to Broadman, and Ymor had seen a piece of paper change hands.
- In 1989, after several years of lagging profits, Lechmere changed hands as a result of a management-led leveraged buyout.
- More than 3 million shares changed hands, more than 14 times the six-month average of 204, 524 shares.
- Mr Adams's defeat in the only Northern Ireland seat to change hands was widely welcomed by nationalist and Unionist politicians.
- No money changed hands, he said.
- The price at which tenancies change hands is currently within the range £115,000 to £155,000.
- The property went into foreclosure and changed hands several times.
- Bull leaned out of the window, gripping the edge of the crumbling sill with spotlessly clean hands.
- I wish I had discovered his method of undertaking glassfibre repairs with clean hands and no brush years ago.
- No one comes to the bargaining table with thoroughly clean hands, but we can be thankful that they still show up.
- Out of this sordid mix of political short-sightedness and commercial greed, no government emerges with clean hands.
- The patient himself may pick one up with clean hands, but no one else.
- Their support is based on a belief that the left governments have clean hands and have improved municipal services.
- It's a back-handed compliment really, you know.
- Sara cupped her hand around the match until it burned steadily.
- Grainne took the hot fragrant wine gratefully, and cupped her hands about the goblet for warmth.
- He cupped his hand around his mouth.
- He cupped his hand over his thing as if it were a flame that might blow out.
- He then shuffled around the room cupping his hand around the chimneys and blowing out one lamp after another.
- Periodically, Felix will turn to Manny, cup his hand and explain to him what has been said.
- Then she cupped her hands around Jack's face and gently pulled him to his feet.
- Trying by cupping his hand over the clasps to avoid the penetrating clicks of opening, George lifted the lid.
- However, they might be a dab hand at needlework or crochet.
- She was a dab hand at couplets, was Rosie.
- They should be dab hands with the diapers, and more in touch with their emotions.
- Workers at the Wellingborough factory are dab hands at turning out unusual orders.
- the dead hand of bureaucracy
- It isn't about the dead hand of the past, the unsettled guilt-edged accounts of history returning to haunt the present.
- State legislatures and Congress are no longer gripped as they once were by the dead hand of privilege.
- Such a move would reimpose the dead hand of state control and political interference.
- The core of the neoliberal argument is the need to free enterprise and initiative from the dead hand of the state.
- The main problem is the dead hand of local authorities, which keep tens of thousands of properties empty.
- Then there was Marta from Spartanburg, who was fleeing the dead hand of middle-class rectitude.
- He's brilliant in job interviews -- he always manages to get the panel eating out of his hand.
- I introduced Mr Wilkinson to my mother, and within minutes she had him eating out of her hand.
- In a second or two a man might have these boys eating out of his hand.
- A pipe-freezing kit makes two plugs of ice either side of the joint so that you can cut through the pipes.
- A trained work elephant then moved up on either side, rather like tugs docking a ship.
- Fry bacon, turning until brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes either side.
- On either side of each barrier it leaves similar pockets of high and low cloud cover, of arid and lush terrain.
- On either side of the road are groves of guava trees.
- The guns chattered out either side of our Huey.
- The hall takes up the central bay through the two storeys; the dining- and drawing-rooms are on either side.
- White dunes made walls on either side of them.
- Somehow, the plans fell into the hands of an enemy spy.
- And for all that, I have fallen into the hands of the Robemaker, he thought angrily.
- It must never fall into the clutches of a political party again.
- The power to play or not fell into the hands of program director Crocker and his peers around the country.
- A firm hand on the reins?
- Although he runs the operation with a firm hand, the Steelers are more like a family than any other team.
- Finally fold the ribbon back on itself and press the strain relief device into position with firm hand pressure.
- In fact, a firm hand might have steered the team on the rocks.
- In other respects careful management and a firm hand pushed up the royal income.
- Lizzy would need a firm hand after this.
- The guests had been selected with a boldness and discrimination in which the initiated recognized the firm hand of Catherine the Great.
- When Barkley Ball was at its peak, there was little need for a firm hand.
- Students in the program are exposed first hand to college life.
- The school deals first hand with all the problems of today's society.
- Eventually divers provided first hand evidence that sea otters use rocks as hammers under water to dislodge the abalones.
- Primary data is collected by the researcher at first hand, mainly through surveys, interviews, or participant observation.
- Released from prison, Rudd travelled around the country, undertaking surveys and checking information at first hand.
- The visit lasted over an hour during which time Neil Kinnock experienced at first hand what carpet manufacturing was all about.
- These two boys say nothing to me as they get in, first handing their weapons to their friends.
- Work is developed from first hand sources and observed drawing.
- Your letters were very welcome, but I still want to hear everything at first hand.
- And now I know from first-hand experience it's the wrong approach.
- At one time, physical presence was a prerequisite for first-hand experience.
- Besides, the people of Waterloo had first-hand knowledge of the advantages of public ownership.
- International research tends to involve analyzing international data, rather than acquiring first-hand knowledge about international operations in other countries.
- It reflects, often, a first-hand experience of the events it describes.
- Millions of people across the world have first-hand experience of what it can do.
- Their testimony on it represents crucial, first-hand experience of which those planning for the hospital-based sector must take significant account.
- This understanding needs to be informed, up-to-date and backed by first-hand experience, not based on hearsay or second-hand impressions.
- The governor is trying to force the legislature's hand on this issue.
- They've given me a free hand with the budget, as long as I stay under $10,000.
- Both these factors gave him a freer hand to negotiate.
- He's given me a free hand to buy horses.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- It turns them on and gives them a free hand to be as obnoxious as they want.
- No advanced industrial nation gives corporations a freer hand in busting unions.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- After George had left his basket at home he gave Willie a hand.
- Even so, some one would usually give me a hand or watch, with amusement, from the corners of their eyes.
- I gave her a hand packing up her clothes and stuff.
- I gave her hand a quick, cautious squeeze.
- It shows that some one out there is thinking of us, and giving us a hand along in the world.
- Léonie said to Rose: I'd like to give you a hand.
- Please, man, give me a hand!
- Benedict imprisoned her closer, oblivious to her grubby hands caught against the pristine whiteness of his neckcloth.
- Every grubby penny I can get my grubby hands on, every grubby day of my grubby little life.
- The children are fighting under the tank, catching drips like diamonds in their grubby hands.
- And that is what Aeneas's young son did under the guiding hand of Alecto.
- Eddie was his hero, his guiding light.
- Father Peter, its guiding light, was also its provider of funds and sustenance.
- That will be the guiding light of the next Labour government.
- To followers, he is more than just a guiding light - he is the Messiah.
- Under Mr Yarrow's guiding hand, the reputation of the school was untarnished, these five long years.
- A few guidelines are all that is needed: Be considerate of others, give a helping hand, be safe.
- Britain's champion in the sport has been lending a helping hand.
- Everyone had a view: The proposal was an insult, a helping hand, a roadblock, a learning aid.
- He wasn't even offering her a helping hand, she brooded.
- People do need a helping hand.
- The Basques, romantics to a man, believed that Fate would give Biarritz a helping hand.
- Today, George is still going strong, giving his son, Robin a helping hand with the ploughing.
- Which makes it an excellent jumping off point if you need a helping hand.
- I have a message of hope: the time has come to join hands.
- Li expressed the hope that the two developing powers join hands to develop high-tech industries, especially information technology.
- Physician and theologian join hands in assigning responsibility.
- They joined hands, they twirled round and round and round.
- They want to join hands and share.
- They would not on any account join hands with Lucifer.
- With that, doctor and patient joined hands and bowed their heads as Keys prayed.
- And keep your hands off Maria.
- But today with his mind too preoccupied to work he seemed quite unable to keep his hands off it.
- Couldn't keep our hands off each other.
- I could not keep my hands off them.
- The government should keep its hands off content.
- They had been unable to keep their hands off each other.
- They should stay out where they belong - keep their hands off our people.
- Citizens should not be expected to take the law into their own hands.
- He wouldn't dare lay a finger on any of us.
- I laid a hand on his hair.
- I lay a hand on his chest and felt him breathe, mile after mile through the Kentucky night.
- If she laid a hand on him, what could he do besides run for it?
- Some one laid a hand on me.
- Stuyvesant responded by laying hands on To bias Feake, who delivered the document, arresting and eventually banishing him.
- The odds are that the young man would not have laid a finger on her, but what if ...?
- Lend me a hand with this box.
- He may have lent a hand in the construction of the Jefferys pocket watch and even of H-4.
- I just thought I'd come up and lend a hand.
- I met them leeward of the middle vehicle, where they lent a hand to tip the wheelbarrow into a stable position.
- Joe lent a hand to all, and supplied much of the muscle.
- Nick and I laid out tow ropes to the bow of the raft, and cajoled bystanders to lend a hand.
- Shuttleworth Collection have supplied a copy of the engine manual - who else can lend a hand?
- Uncle Jack fell into the latter category, Ursula vehemently rejecting his offer to lend a hand.
- Women came by from other camps to lend a hand, bringing prashad.
- He lived from hand to mouth making instant resolves every time he opened his mail.
- Teacher To live from hand to mouth.
- The city council took matters into its own hands and set a date for the meeting.
- As a result, some countries have taken matters into their own hands.
- Finally the women of Buntong Tiga can stand it no longer - they take matters into their own hands.
- She then took matters into her own hands.
- She was more than capable of taking matters into her own hands.
- So why not take matters into our own hands?
- The last thing leaders want is Tutsi who survived the genocide taking matters into their own hands.
- When the psycho is caught, then let go on a technicality, Mom takes matters into her own hands.
- An old woman sat veiled in black in a corner; toward whom people nodded or quickly offered their hand.
- Delia Sutherland offered her hand to a young girl in an overall.
- Jotan was getting slowly to his feet, offering his hand to Arkhina.
- We have offered our hand again and again.
- When I look down toward his waist, I see that he has covertly offered his hand.
- Helms is an old hand at backroom politics.
- Blue is an old hand at such compositions and has never had any trouble with them.
- Habitat is an old hand at changing habits of a lifetime.
- Pete Zimmerman is an old hand at water initiatives.
- These were old hands, and Dawn Run was effectively still a novice.
- We are old hands in the public-school system.
- By opposing even a moderate ban on assault weapons, the gun lobby has overplayed its hand.
- Eventually, however, Safdarjung overplayed his hand.
- If his opponents were intent on overplaying their hand, it could only improve his position with the cardinal.
- Should she spell it out to him, or would that fatally overplay her hand?
- The unions overplayed their hand in the end.
- This drove a much harder bargain and, it has been suggested, represents the moment at which Edward overplayed his hand.
- But an extra pair of hands is still needed, especially during busy periods.
- The clinical teacher should be part of the ward team, but must resist becoming an extra pair of hands.
- We could visit a theatre, and there would be an extra pair of hands in the garden.
- She's got the whole committee in the palm of her hand.
- And what good you, you silly fool, playing into my hands like this?
- It plays into the hands of the opposition.
- It would be playing into his hands to react to his deliberate teasing.
- Such action, I believed - and still believe - would have played into the hands of my enemies.
- This, the futures industry frets, would play into the hands of Rep.
- We should be careful not to play into the hands of murderers.
- Whatever he did would play into the hands of Isambard, whose traps were always dual, and could not be evaded.
- Everyone puts his hand out, from cabinet ministers to loan underwriters.
- He put his hand out and there was Lily, quiet and warm beside him.
- He put his hand out, touching his father's cheek.
- Minna put her hands out and I handed her the divorce.
- She tottered, and put her arms out.
- Vern put his hand out this time.
- When she put her hand out, trying to rise, she skittled a row of bottles.
- The FBI caught the mayor red-handed using drugs.
- Campbell Christie takes over the reins at Brockville tomorrow.
- Finally, on November 24, he took over the reins of the Puzzle Palace from the retiring director.
- The younger generation had taken over the reins.
- And ace marksman Aldo is rubbing his hands in glee at the prospect.
- Battle is joined and lawyers are rubbing their hands in anticipation.
- Frankie was rubbing his hands together and Chopper merely nodded now and then with a silly expression on his face.
- Good quality barley is making £151 a tonne so, not unnaturally, both farmers and merchants are rubbing their hands.
- He was rubbing your hands to warm you up.
- Players' agents and satellite salesmen will be rubbing their hands with glee.
- The doctor was rubbing her hands, probably to warm them, but it looked like a gesture of glee and greed.
- Thousands of people will be rubbing their hands with glee.
- Parents want to make sure they're leaving their children in safe hands.
- Ambulances arrived, Ivor and Pauline were in safe hands.
- I believed he was in safe hands.
- If we can tap it successfully - our future is in safe hands.
- My neck and hand were in safe hands-four of them.
- So if it was going to get rough she couldn't be in safer hands.
- He said that he wouldn't be bullied into showing his hand first.
- At Michaelmas 1183 Henry showed his hand.
- For one thing he needed hard evidence, and to get it he would have to show his hand.
- Kingfisher was forced to show its hand after rumours that a bid was in the offing began to circulate on Tuesday.
- Not the time to show our hand.
- Now the government has shown its hand.
- Though nobody on the government side had shown his hand, it was hardly necessary.
- When Dastmalchi called and showed his hand, Tom knew the game was up.
- Most delegates sat on their hands while a few radicals took control of the discussion.
- So we sat on our hands about Sally, because we thought the stakes were higher than the National Enquirer.
- Keep your drug money - I wouldn't want to soil my hands with it.
- A malevolent demon was standing on his head.
- And the hoops were made by soldiers, who turned over and stood on their hands and feet.
- I can do it standing on my head, although I won't.
- Maybe I have to stand on my head to prove I mean it.
- She had a washboard stomach, and her boyfriend would stand on his hands on chairs balanced above her.
- Somehow the doctrine of the Fall had been stood on its head.
- Susan was teaching Wyatt how to stand on his hands.
- We did; the moment the car stopped there I jumped out and stood on my head in the grass.
- There is little we can do to stay his hand without damaging East-West relations.
- But instead of throwing up her hands and blaming the problem on organizational chaos, she stepped back and analyzed the situation.
- Davide had seen the priests, who had shrugged and thrown up their hands indolently at the laundress's problem.
- Even his most recent wife, Mercedes, had thrown up her hands.
- He rounded the bend nearest the building, and nearly dropped the branch for throwing up his hands in frustration.
- Here Abie threw up his hands at the ignorance of policemen.
- Jenny exclaimed to E.. Ames, throwing up her hands.
- Paul Reichmann threw up his hands in protest at the suggestion, but did not utter a sound.
- Then they throw up their hands, wondering why the benefits they have been pursuing never seem to accrue.
- Diane has always wanted to try her hand at acting.
- But he decided to try his hand at writing books and was enormously successful.
- Guinness tried his hand at the new Porter with rather more success than his fellow Dublin brewers.
- If you have the urge to try your hand at a grant, do so!
- Isaac Mizrahi tried his hand at the corset, and in the process turned out some fabulous evening dresses.
- It's time to try my hand at the settled life.
- Many who are in the process of acquiring these technical skills may wish to try their hand at grantsmanship.
- Plenty of Christians have tried their hand at putting their beliefs into prose or poetry, usually with calamitous aesthetic results.
- Sons wanted to try its hand at selling iced tea.
- Police have gained the upper hand over the drug dealers in the area.
- But slowly and surely the followers of Chaos gained the upper hand.
- If the two had been introduced simultaneously, the larger one would invariably have the upper hand.
- Now White gains the upper hand.
- Officials said they might reopen the freeway at 5 p. m. today, perhaps sooner if firefighters gain the upper hand overnight.
- The world can only pray that they do not gain the upper hand.
- Under the proposed law, she would have the upper hand.
- We must destroy them now, while we yet have the upper hand.
- When you have a gun you have the upper hand, it makes you feel big, bad.
- Oliver expects us to wait on him hand and foot.
- Dunbar has already washed his hands of the project.
- Chun was not able to wash his hands of the Kwangju massacre, which dogged him throughout his eight-year rule.
- Did you feel like washing your hands of me again?
- I wash my hands of you.
- Imagine Delwyn Pepper up so in New York, washing his hands of our business.
- In the summer of 1988, King Hussein washed his hands of the territories.
- Let us wash our hands of those who do not care for us.
- The sooner it washes its hands of Mr Haider the better.
- We can not wash our hands of this.
- With the advent of term limits in the state Legislature, Orange County will have the whip hand.
- "I don't know what else to do," Dan said, wringing his hands.
- Antoinette wrung her hands inside her daughter's clasp.
- But you can do more than stand around the coffee bar and wring your hands with your co-workers.
- He wrings his hands like a fly and clinches his eves at the awful sound of that squeaking.
- He wrung his hands in pleasure at her pleasure.
- I am not thinking simply of an inventory of the human woes that people wring their hands about.
- I remember my father standing over her sickbed, wringing his hands, so afraid of losing another child.
- Jenny fretted, wrung her hands.
- She was wringing her hands, pulling at her lovely mane of hair.
- A crossed cheque therefore gives some protection against fraud if it falls into the wrong hands.
- And images of Kurds on tape could fall into the wrong hands.
- But some gun dealers have stopped selling replicas, because they're worried about them falling into the wrong hands.
- Cards falling into the wrong hands cost the industry three hundred pounds every minute.
- I will never allow Kirsty to fall into the wrong hands.
- Pentagon officials say they have already had some success reducing the risk that nuclear materials will fall into the wrong hands.
- Voice over Mr Foulkes is seeking Government safeguards to prevent Rayo from falling into the wrong hands.
WORD FAMILYnounhandhandfuladjectiveunderhandhandyverbhandadverbhandily
1to give something to someone else with your handhand somebody something He handed the teacher a slip of paper.hand something to somebody He lit a cigarette and handed it to her. This form must be handed to all employees.2you have to hand it to somebody spoken used to say that you admire someone: You have to hand it to her. She’s really made a success of that company.hand something ↔ around (also hand something round British English) phrasal verb to offer something to each person in a group: Willie helped hand the mugs around.hand something ↔ back phrasal verb1to give something back to the person who gave it to you, with your handhand back to Kurt examined the document and handed it back to her.hand somebody something ↔ back She handed him his pen back.2to give something back to the person who used to own ithand back to The land was handed back to its original owner.hand somebody something ↔ back The government has promised to hand investors back their money.hand something ↔ down phrasal verb1to give or leave something to people who will live after youhand down to The ring was handed down to her from her grandmother. stories handed down by word of mouth → hand-me-down2 hand down a decision/ruling/sentence etc to officially announce a decision, punishment etchand something ↔ in phrasal verb to give something to someone in authority: Tom has handed in his resignation. Did you hand your homework in on time?hand something ↔ on phrasal verb to give something to someone: He was accused of handing on government secrets.hand something ↔ out phrasal verb to give something to each person in a group SYN distribute: Could you start handing these books out please?hand out to He was handing out leaflets to members of the audience. → handouthand over phrasal verb1hand something ↔ over to give something to someone with your hand, especially because they have asked for it or should have it: The soldiers were ordered to hand over their guns.hand over to He handed the phone over to me.2to give someone power or responsibility over something which you used to be in charge ofhand something ↔ over (to somebody) On his retirement, he handed the business over to his son. Political control has been handed over to religious leaders.hand over to Now she feels the time has come to hand over to someone else.