hand-to-hand

American  

[hand-tuh-hand] / ˈhænd təˈhænd /

adjective

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

   hand-to-hand combat.

---

hand-to-hand British  

adjective

1. at close quarters

   they fought hand-to-hand

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of hand-to-hand

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

There are some respites from the training, the running and marching, the room full of tear gas, the dead man’s float test, the hand-to-hand combat, the flower planting.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent afternoon at the city’s aging police academy, young officers rappelled down walls and simulated hand-to-hand combat.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Leading up to that scene, Ellie strives to establish her own hero identity by training in hand-to-hand combat with men twice her size and sharpening her sniping skills with a long gun.

From Salon

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

From Salon