hands up

1. A direction or order to hold one's hands high, as in Hands up or I'll shoot! This imperative is used by police officers and criminals so that they can see if someone is holding a weapon. [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

"I went there with my hands up," he says repeating the gesture for the camera.

From BBC

"The owners appear to be admitting defeat, holding their hands up and making amends," BBC Sheffield sports editor Rob Staton said.

From BBC

Organiser Dr Kyle Mathews told BBC News that the offenders had "held their hands up" and apologised.

From BBC

Harvey, in a mock show of toughness held his hands up and added: "As if anyone's going to stab me."

From BBC

She opens her hands up to me, revealing Band-Aids and well-formed callouses.

From Los Angeles Times