show of hands

American  

noun

1. an indication of approval, disapproval, volunteering, etc., on the part of a group of people, usually made by each assenting person raising a hand.

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show of hands British  

noun

1. the raising of hands to indicate voting for or against a proposition

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show of hands Idioms  

1. An informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice, as in Let's have a show of hands—how many want the next meeting on a Sunday? [Late 1700s]

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Etymology

Origin of show of hands

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Asked for a show of hands, about two-thirds of members in the hall at their conference in Bournemouth backed a debate on changing their position on ID cards.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2025

Then the judge will excuse any people who indicate by a show of hands that they can’t serve or can’t be fair and impartial, he wrote.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

“How many are scared because of the hurricane,” Pedro Miranda, the minister asked, as he held up his arm for a show of hands.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2023

Mr. Diaz-Balart at one point asked for a show of hands on who had actually seen the exhibit.

From Washington Times • Jul. 23, 2023

I guess the quickest way is a show of hands.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose

Related Words

• ballot
• choice
• majority
• poll
• referendum
• tally