handholding

[ hand-hohl-ding ]

/ ˈhændˌhoʊl dɪŋ /

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noun

the act of holding hands, especially as a sign or token of affection.

constant reassurance and help, especially as an indication of one's interest or confidence: We do a lot of handholding with our clients.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of handholding

First recorded in 1905–10; hand + holding

How to use handholding in a sentence

I then felt a hand holding my hand and ‘felt’ it had no middle finger.
Knocking on Heaven's Door: True Stories of Unexplained, Uncanny Experiences at the Hour of Death|Patricia Pearson|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even an existing bond benefits from reviewing the fine art of hand-holding and sharing a porch swing.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week, June 26-July 2, 2011|Starsky + Cox|June 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
That means he needs foreign policy advisors who can make tough decisions without a lot of Oval Office hand-holding.
Obama Was Right About Hillary|Peter Beinart|December 1, 2008|DAILY BEAST
In February 1983, Vice President was dispatched on a hand-holding mission to our allies in Europe.
My Brush With Obama's Top Spook|Christopher Buckley|November 29, 2008|DAILY BEAST

The crest of the clan was a mailed hand holding an olive branch, and the motto was "Not too much."
Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 4 of 8|Various
Straight and slim as a sapling Child Stig dances up, In each hand holding a fair silver cup.
The Songs of Ranild|Anonymous
The thin, almost transparent hand holding the letter trembled visibly.
The Czar's Spy|William Le Queux
The Drucca coin is officially described as a “female figure standing to the left, her right hand holding a serpent (?)”
Archaic England|Harold Bayley
His fingers closed over the little cylinder and the hand holding it.
The Fire People|Ray Cummings