give a hand
Idioms-
Also, lend a hand . Help a person, as in Let me give you a hand with those chairs , or Jane is always willing to lend a hand with refreshments . [Mid-1800s]
-
Also, give a big hand . Give an enthusiastic round of applause, as in Please give her a hand . One can also be given applause or get a big hand , as in This speaker always gets a big hand . [Early 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the wake of the Artemis II mission’s successful end, we have to give a hand not only to its remarkable crew but to whoever was in charge of their social-media strategy.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
“Can we give a hand to the medical team for their assistance?”
From Washington Times ● Jan. 27, 2023
One question stood out to her after watching the film: “How can our congressional leaders uplift us, and not necessarily give a hand out, but a hand up?”
From New York Times ● Dec. 14, 2022
But, like so many in the Ukrainian diaspora, he says he felt the need to give a hand.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2022
Merrill would see to the lashings, and Walter would give a hand at the hauling-line.
From Careers of Danger and Daring by Cleveland Moffett
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
