at the hands of somebody

at the hand(s) of (someone or something)

Due to the actions of. At least her first loss came at the hands of a very formidable opponent.See also: of

at the hands of somebody

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at somebody’s ˈhands

(written) if you experience something at the hands of somebody, they are the cause of it: So far hundreds of innocent civilians have died at the hands of the terrorists.See also: hand, of, somebody