at second hand
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Received from some source other than the original. For example, I learned of Mary's divorce at second hand. This phrase may be applied to information or to previously owned merchandise. [1400s] Also see at first hand.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Words nearby at second hand
Atropos, Atrovent, atry, ATS, at sea, at second hand, at sight, at sixes and sevens, at someone's, at someone's beck and call, at someone's elbow
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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