Advertisement
Advertisement
empty-handed
[ emp-tee-han-did ]
adjective
- having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work:
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
- having gained nothing:
to return from a quest empty-handed.
- bringing no gift, donation, etc.:
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
empty-handed
adjective
- carrying nothing in the hands
- having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of empty-handed1
Discover More
Example Sentences
Unfortunately, experts have looked everywhere from lagoons to abandoned silver mines and still come up empty-handed.
In other words, the Hispanic Caucus emerged from the meeting empty-handed.
The mission was unsuccessful as he returned home “empty-handed.”
After intensive coverage on both, most reporters and partisan investigators came away empty-handed.
Coming up empty-handed for conservatives on both would have broader ramifications.
An hour passed, and it was growing dark when Weston scrambled up the hillside empty-handed.
He knew that those Ducks would not come back again that night, and that once more he must go home empty-handed.
They all seemed to enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not empty-handed either.
He always returned empty-handed, and Nannie watched with an impish smile from an upper window.
Frequently the hunters came home empty-handed or bringing only small game.
Advertisement
Discover More
Related Words
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse