hand – WordReference.com Dictionary of English
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the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm
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the bones of this part
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the corresponding or similar part in animals
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something resembling this in shape or function
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the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game
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a player holding such cards
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one round of a card game
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agency or influence
:
the hand of God
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a part in something done
:
he had a hand in the victory
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assistance
:
to give someone a hand with his work
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a pointer on a dial, indicator, or gauge, esp on a clock
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acceptance or pledge of partnership, as in marriage
:
he asked for her hand
,
he gave me his hand on the merger
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a position or direction indicated by its location to the side of an object or the observer
:
on the right hand
,
on every hand
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a contrastive aspect, condition, etc (in the phrases on the one hand, on the other hand)
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(preceded by an ordinal number) source or origin
:
a story heard at third hand
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a person, esp one who creates something
:
a good hand at painting
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a labourer or manual worker
:
we’ve just taken on a new hand at the farm
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a member of a ship’s crew
:
all hands on deck
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a person’s handwriting
:
the letter was in his own hand
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a round of applause
:
give him a hand
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a manner or characteristic way of doing something
:
the hand of a master
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a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers
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a cluster or bundle, esp of bananas
- a free hand ⇒
freedom to do as desired
- a hand’s turn ⇒ (
usually used with a negative
)
a small amount of work
:
he hasn’t done a hand’s turn
- a heavy hand ⇒
tyranny, persecution, or oppression
:
he ruled with a heavy hand
- a high hand ⇒
an oppressive or dictatorial manner
- at hand, near at hand ⇒
very near or close, esp in time
- by hand ⇒
by manual rather than mechanical means
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by messenger or personally
:
the letter was delivered by hand
- from hand to mouth ⇒
in poverty
:
living from hand to mouth
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without preparation or planning
- hand and foot ⇒
in all ways possible; completely
:
they waited on him hand and foot
- hand in glove ⇒
in an intimate relationship or close association
- hand over fist ⇒
steadily and quickly; with rapid progress
:
he makes money hand over fist
- hold one’s hand ⇒
to stop or postpone a planned action or punishment
- hold someone’s hand ⇒
to support, help, or guide someone, esp by giving sympathy or moral support
- in hand ⇒
under control
-
receiving attention or being acted on
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available for use; in reserve
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with deferred payment
:
he works a week in hand
- keep one’s hand in ⇒
to continue or practise
- on hand ⇒
close by; present
:
I’ll be on hand to help you
- out of hand ⇒
beyond control
-
without reservation or deeper examination
:
he condemned him out of hand
- show one’s hand ⇒
to reveal one’s stand, opinion, or plans
- to hand ⇒
accessible
- try one’s hand ⇒
to attempt to do something
- (
modifier
)
of or involving the hand
:
a hand grenade
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made to be carried in or worn on the hand
:
hand luggage
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operated by hand
:
a hand drill
- (
in combination
)
made by hand rather than by a machine
:
hand-sewn
n
