hands up

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hands up

She stopped in the middle of the woods during a walk, looked with disapproval at my light jacket, and threw her hands up in mock confusion, surveying the snow-encrusted pines.

From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2026

Burnham has accused the Mail of reporting a "partial version of events" and added: "They were all out of order and, if they had any decency, would now hold their hands up and apologise."

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

In particular, Rep. Lauren Boebert threw her hands up in dismay from her seat in the back corner of the chamber.

From Slate ● Apr. 28, 2026

Halliday: I am the Margaret Atwood No. 1 fan — I hold my hands up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2026

He brought his hands up and leaned his head back.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

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