hand-to-hand

American  

[hand-tuh-hand] / ˈhænd təˈhænd /

adjective

1. close to one's adversary; at close quarters.

   hand-to-hand combat.

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hand-to-hand British  

adjective

1. at close quarters

   they fought hand-to-hand

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hand to hand Idioms  

1. In close combat; also, at close quarters. For example, If the enemy came any closer they would soon be fighting hand to hand . This expression, dating from about 1400, is usually restricted to military contexts but occasionally sees more general use.

2. from hand to hand . From one person to another; through a succession of persons. For example, The instructions were passed from hand to hand until everyone had seen them , or Over the generations the family albums went from hand to hand . [Mid-1500s]

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Etymology

Origin of hand-to-hand

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

From time to time I’ll make an exception and settle into a relative page-turner: nothing with cliffhangers or lots of hand-to-hand combat, mind you, but with a brisker narrative pace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

As well as a turn on the shooting range, this Saturday morning programme, called "Train with the Army", also teaches civilians hand-to-hand combat, first aid and how to put on a gas mask.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

He offered his comrades free lessons in hand-to-hand combat and bonded with them in the backcountry hunting jackrabbits.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

Another question, now removed, had asked: “What is another name for the hand-to-hand steering method?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2024

No matter how sharp my intuition is, no matter how well I do at Drake or how perfectly I score in defense and target practice and hand-to-hand combat, Metias’s eyes always hold that fear.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu