have (got) to hand it to (someone)

have (got) to hand it to (someone)

To give, or feel obliged to give, credit or recognition to someone for something they have done. I've got to hand it to you, the company has really turned a corner since you started managing the accounts. Still, you have to hand it to Jenny—she sure knows how to throw a party.See also: hand, have

have to hand it to someone

to give someone credit [for something]. (Includes an expression of obligation, such as must, got to, have to, etc.) You've really got to hand it to Jane. She has done a fine job. We have to hand it to Fred. That wine he brought was great.See also: hand, have

have to hand it to someone

SPOKENPeople use expressions such as I have to hand it to you or you've got to hand it to him in order to say that they admire what someone has done. I have to hand it to you, though. You came pretty close to escaping. Whatever you thought of his act, you had to hand it to him — he knew how to make money. Note: People often use these expressions when they did not think that someone would be successful or when they do not usually like or approve of that person. See also: hand, have, someone

you have to hand it to someone

or

I have to hand it to someone

INFORMALPeople say You have to hand it to someone or I have to hand it to someone to show that they admire that person for something they have done. You have to hand it to Hemp, I suppose, for instinctively knowing what to do. I have to hand it to you. You came pretty close to getting away. Note: In British English, you can also say you've got to hand it to someone. You've got to hand it to Melissa, she certainly gets around.See also: hand, have, someone

have to hand it to someone

used to acknowledge the merit or achievement of someone. 2001 DVD Verdict You've got to hand it to the people at Universal; they took a very fair and decent approach to their upcoming Jurassic Park trilogy box set. See also: hand, have, someone

have to ˈhand it to somebody

(informal) admit, perhaps unwillingly, that you admire somebody for their skill, achievements, determination, etc: You have to hand it to him; he certainly knows how to play tennis. ♢ To be honest, I didn’t think she could cook, but I have to hand it to her. Tonight’s meal was fantastic.See also: hand, have, somebody