empty-handed
[emp-tee-han-did]
- 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.
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Origin of empty-handed
First recorded in 1605–15
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
underprivilegedpoverty-strickenneedymeagerpennilesslowimpoverisheddestituteindigentflatdown-and-outbankruptscantysufferinginsolventbeggarlybrokeimpecuniouspenuriousreducedExamples from the Web for empty-handed
Contemporary Examples
The mission was unsuccessful as he returned home “empty-handed.”
For the White House, returning twice from Copenhagen empty-handed would represent more than an embarrassment.
Historical Examples
My service to the Prince, but I wish he had not come here so empty-handed.
Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745Mrs. Thomson
He went, however, only to return a few hours later, empty-handed.
The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi'sA. Mildred Cable
But game was scarce and Jack was returning to Gardiner empty-handed and disgusted.
Wild Animals at HomeErnest Thompson Seton
He was compelled to return to England as empty-handed as when he went out.
True to His HomeHezekiah Butterworth
The farm was poor and was mortgaged, and empty-handed I turned away.
The JucklinsOpie Read
empty-handed
- carrying nothing in the hands
- having gained nothingthey returned from the negotiations empty-handed
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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