15 Idioms related to human hands

1. On hand

• Meaning: Readily available or present; nearby.

• Sentence Usage 1: I always keep some snacks on hand in case guests visit unexpectedly.

• Sentence Usage 2: We have extra supplies on hand in case of an emergency.

2. Hand in glove

• Meaning: In close association or partnership; working closely together.

• Sentence Usage 1: The two companies have been hand in glove since they collaborated on the project.

• Sentence Usage 2: The actors were hand in glove throughout the film shoot.

3. Hand in hand

• Meaning: Together or side by side; in close companionship.

• Sentence Usage 1: The couple walked hand in hand along the beach at sunset.

• Sentence Usage 2: Progress and innovation go hand in hand in the technology sector.

4. Hand it to someone

• Meaning: Give credit or praise to someone for their achievements or efforts.

• Sentence Usage 1: You have to hand it to him; he managed the project exceptionally well.

• Sentence Usage 2: I must hand it to the team for their hard work and dedication.

5. Hand (to someone) on a platter/plate

• Meaning: Give something to someone easily or without much effort on their part.

• Sentence Usage 1: He was handed the promotion on a platter because of his exceptional performance.

• Sentence Usage 2: She expected success to be handed to her on a plate without putting in the necessary work.

6. Bite the hand that feeds you

• Meaning: Ingratitude or harming the person or source that provides for you.

• Sentence Usage 1: It's foolish to bite the hand that feeds you; you should appreciate the support you receive.

• Sentence Usage 2: He bit the hand that fed him by criticizing his generous employer.

7. (At) first hand

• Meaning: Directly from the original source; firsthand experience or information.

• Sentence Usage 1: She heard the news at first hand from someone who witnessed the event.

• Sentence Usage 2: I obtained the information at first hand during the meeting with the CEO.

8. Force someone's hand

• Meaning: Compel or pressure someone to take action or make a decision.

• Sentence Usage 1: The unexpected turn of events forced the manager's hand, and he had to make a quick decision.

• Sentence Usage 2: The evidence presented in court forced the defendant's hand, leading to a confession.

9. Have a free hand

• Meaning: Have the freedom or authority to act without restrictions or interference.

• Sentence Usage 1: The project manager gave the creative team a free hand in designing the new product.

• Sentence Usage 2: It's essential to trust the professionals and give them a free hand in their area of expertise.

10. Get out of hand

• Meaning: Become uncontrollable or disorderly; go beyond manageable limits.

• Sentence Usage 1: The party got out of hand, and the police had to intervene to restore order.

• Sentence Usage 2: If the situation starts to get out of hand, we need to address it promptly.

11. Heavy hand

• Meaning: Excessive or oppressive use of authority or control.

• Sentence Usage 1: The manager's heavy hand in decision-making demotivated the team.

• Sentence Usage 2: Government intervention with a heavy hand can sometimes hinder economic growth.

12. Iron hand/fist in a velvet glove

• Meaning: Severe or strict control hidden beneath a gentle or benevolent exterior.

• Sentence Usage 1: The principal ruled the school with an iron fist in a velvet glove, maintaining discipline while appearing approachable.

• Sentence Usage 2: Her diplomatic skills allowed her to enforce policies with an iron hand/fist in a velvet glove.

13. Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing

• Meaning: Lack of coordination or communication within an organization, leading to confusion or inefficiency.

• Sentence Usage 1: The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, and that's causing delays in project completion.

• Sentence Usage 2: It's essential to improve communication to ensure that the left hand and right hand are on the same page.

14. Like the back of one's hand

• Meaning: Knowing something very well; familiar with a place, person, or situation.

• Sentence Usage 1: I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand; I can navigate it blindfolded.

• Sentence Usage 2: As a tour guide, she knows the city like the back of her hand.

15. Live from hand to mouth

• Meaning: Living with only the bare essentials; barely having enough to survive.

• Sentence Usage 1: After losing his job, he struggled to live from hand to mouth.

• Sentence Usage 2: The family lived from hand to mouth until they found stable employment.