hand

[ hand ]

/ hænd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hand ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the terminal, prehensile part of the upper limb in humans and other primates, consisting of the wrist, metacarpal area, fingers, and thumb.

the corresponding part of the forelimb in any of the higher vertebrates.

a terminal prehensile part, as the chela of a crustacean, or, in falconry, the foot of a falcon.

something resembling a hand in shape or function, as various types of pointers: the hands of a clock.

index(def 8).

a person employed in manual labor or for general duties; worker; laborer: a factory hand; a ranch hand.

a person who performs or is capable of performing a specific work, skill, or action: a real hand at geometry.

skill; workmanship; characteristic touch: a painting that shows a master's hand.

a person, with reference to ability or skill: He was a poor hand at running a business.

a member of a ship's crew: All hands on deck!

Often hands. possession or power; control, custody, or care: to have someone's fate in one's hands.

a position, especially one of control, used for bargaining, negotiating, etc.: an action to strengthen one's hand.

means, agency; instrumentality: death by his own hand.

assistance; aid; active participation or cooperation: Give me a hand with this ladder.

side; direction: no traffic on either hand of the road.

style of handwriting; penmanship: She wrote in a beautiful hand.

a person's signature: to set one's hand to a document.

a round or outburst of applause for a performer: to get a hand.

a promise or pledge, as of marriage: He asked for her hand in marriage.

a linear measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially in determining the height of horses.

Cards.

the cards dealt to or held by each player at one time.
the person holding the cards.
a single part of a game, in which all the cards dealt at one time are played.

Roman Law. manus(def 2).

hands, Manège. skill at manipulating the reins of a horse: To ride well, one must have good hands.

a bunch, cluster, or bundle of various leaves, fruit, etc., as a bundle of tobacco leaves tied together or a cluster of bananas.

Machinery. the deviation of a thread or tooth from the axial direction of a screw or gear, as seen from one end looking away toward the other.

Building Trades.

the position of the hinges of a door, in terms of right and left, as seen from outside the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.
the position of the hinges of a casement sash, in terms of right and left, from inside the window.

Also called handle. the fabric properties that can be sensed by touching the material, as resilience, smoothness, or body: the smooth hand of satin.

Archaic. a person considered as a source, as of information or of supply.

verb (used with object)

to deliver or pass with or as if with the hand.

to help, assist, guide, etc., with the hand: He handed the elderly woman across the street.

Nautical.

to take in or furl (a sail).
to haul on or otherwise handle.

adjective

of, belonging to, using, or used by the hand.

made by hand.

carried in or worn on the hand.

operated by hand; manual.

Verb Phrases

hand down,

to deliver (the decision of a court): The jury handed down a verdict of guilty.
to transmit from one to another, especially to bequeath to posterity: The ring had been handed down from her grandmother.

hand in, to submit; present for acceptance: She handed in her term paper after the deadline. He handed his resignation in yesterday.

hand off, Football. to hand the ball to a member of one's team in the course of a play.

hand on, to transmit; pass on to a successor, posterity, etc.: The silver service was handed on to the eldest daughter of the family.

hand out, to give or distribute; pass out: People were handing out leaflets on every corner.

hand over,

to deliver into the custody of another: Hand your wallet over now!
to surrender control of: He handed over his business to his children.

Nearby words

hanau, hanbali, hance, hancock, hancock, john, hand, hand and foot, hand ax, hand bell, hand brake, hand down

Idioms

at first hand, firsthand(def 1).

at hand,

within reach; nearby; close by.
near in time; soon.
ready for use: We keep a supply of canned goods at hand.

at second hand, second hand(def 3).

at the hand/hands of, by the action of; through the agency of: They suffered at the hands of their stepfather.

by hand, by using the hands, as opposed to machines; manually: lace made by hand.

change hands, to pass from one owner to another; change possession: The property has changed hands several times in recent years.

come to hand,

to come within one's reach or notice: He was moved to tears when his father's old journal came to hand.
to be received; arrive: The spring stock came to hand last week.

eat out of one's hand, to be totally submissive to another; be very attentive or servile: That spoiled brat has her parents eating out of her hand.

force one's hand, to prompt a person to take immediate action or to reveal his or her intentions: The criticism forced the governor's hand so that he had to declare his support of the tax bill.

from hand to hand, from one person to another; through successive ownership or possession: The legendary jewel went from hand to hand.

from hand to mouth, improvidently; precariously; with nothing in reserve: They looked forward to a time when they would no longer have to live from hand to mouth.

give one's hand on/upon, to give one's word; seal a bargain by or as if by shaking hands: He said the goods would be delivered within a month and gave them his hand on it.

hand and foot,

so as to hinder movement: They tied him hand and foot.
slavishly and continually: Cinderella had to wait on her stepsisters hand and foot.

hand and glove, very intimately associated: Several high-ranking diplomats were found to be hand and glove with enemy agents.Also hand in glove.

hand in hand,

with one's hand enclasped in that of another person.
closely associated; concurrently; conjointly: Doctors and nurses work hand in hand to save lives.

hand in one's checks, Chiefly British. cash¹(def 7).

hand it to, Informal. to give just credit to; pay respect to: You have to hand it to her for getting the work out.

hand over fist, speedily; increasingly: He owns a chain of restaurants and makes money hand over fist.

hands down,

effortlessly; easily: He won the championship hands down.
indisputably; incontestably: It was hands down the best race I've ever seen.

hands off! don't touch, strike, or interfere! keep away from!: Hands off my stereo!

hands up! hold your hands above your head! give up!

hand to hand, in direct combat; at close quarters: The troops fought hand to hand.

have a hand in, to have a share in; participate in: It is impossible that she could have had a hand in this notorious crime.

have one's hands full, to have a large or excessive amount of work to handle; be constantly busy: The personnel department has its hands full trying to process the growing number of applications.

hold hands, to join hands with another person as a token of affection: They have been seen holding hands in public.

in hand,

under control: He kept the situation well in hand.
in one's possession: cash in hand.
in the process of consideration or settlement: regarding the matter in hand.

join hands, to unite in a common cause; combine: The democracies must join hands in order to survive.

keep one's hand in, to continue to practice: He turned the business over to his sons, but he keeps his hand in it. I just play enough golf to keep my hand in.

lay one's hands on,

to obtain; acquire: I wish I could lay my hands on a good used piano.
to seize, especially in order to punish: He wanted to lay his hands on the person who had backed into his car.
to impose the hands in a ceremonial fashion, as in ordination: The bishop laid hands on the candidates.

lend/give a hand, to lend assistance; help out: Lend a hand and we'll finish the job in no time.

lift a hand, to exert any effort: She wouldn't lift a hand to help anyone.Also lift a finger.

off one's hands,

out of one's charge or care: Now, with their children grown and off their hands, they will be free to travel.
successfully completed; finished: The lawyer planned a vacation as soon as the case was off his hands.

on all hands,

by everyone; universally: It was decided on all hands to take an excursion.
on every side; all around: piercing glances on all hands.

Also on every hand.

on hand,

in one's possession; at one's disposal: cash on hand.
about to occur; imminent: A change of government may be on hand.
present: There were not enough members on hand to constitute a quorum.

on the other hand, from another side or aspect; conversely: It was an unfortunate experience, but, on the other hand, one can learn from one's mistakes.

on/upon one's hands, under one's care or management; as one's responsibility: He was left with a large surplus on his hands.

out of hand,

beyond control: to let one's temper get out of hand.
without delay; at once: The crisis obliged him to act out of hand.
no longer in process; finished: The case has been out of hand for some time.
without consideration or deliberation: to reject a proposal out of hand.

shake hands, to clasp another's hand in greeting, congratulation, or agreement: They shook hands on the proposed partnership.

show one's hand, to disclose or display one's true intentions or motives: The impending revolution forced him to show his hand.

sit on one's hands,

to be unenthusiastic or unappreciative; fail to applaud: It was a lively show, but the audience sat on its hands.
to take no action; be passive or hesitant: While he was being beaten, the others sat on their hands.

take a hand in, to take part in; participate in: If the strike continues, the government will have to take a hand in the negotiations.

take in hand,

to undertake responsibility for; assume charge: When both parents died, an uncle took the youngster in hand.
to deal with; treat of: We'll take the matter in hand at the next meeting.

throw up one's hands, to admit one's inadequacy, exasperation, or failure; despair: When the general received reports of an enemy build-up, he threw up his hands.

tie one's hands, to render one powerless to act; thwart: The provisions of the will tied his hands.Also have one's hands tied.

tip one's hand, to reveal one's plans or intentions before the propitious time.

to hand,

within reach; accessible or nearby.
into one's possession: A search of the attic brought some valuable antiques to hand.

try one's hand (at), to test one's skill or aptitude for: After becoming a successful painter, he decided to try his hand at sculpture.

turn/put one's hand to, to set to work at; busy oneself with: He turned his hand successfully to gardening.

wash one's hands of, to disclaim any further responsibility for; renounce interest in or support of: I washed my hands of the entire affair.

with a heavy hand,

with severity; oppressively: The law will punish offenders with a heavy hand.
in a clumsy manner; awkwardly; gracelessly: The play was directed with a heavy hand.

with a high hand, in an arrogant or dictatorial manner; arbitrarily: He ran the organization with a high hand.

Origin of hand

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch, German Hand, Old Norse hǫnd, Gothic handus

SYNONYMS FOR hand

16 script, calligraphy, longhand.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hand ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

hand·like, adjective

Definition for sit on one's hands (2 of 2)

sit

[ sit ]

/ sɪt /

verb (used without object), sat or (Archaic) sate; sat or (Archaic) sit·ten; sit·ting.

to rest with the body supported by the buttocks or thighs; be seated.

to be located or situated: The house sits well up on the slope.

to rest or lie (usually followed by on or upon): An aura of greatness sits easily upon him.

to place oneself in position for an artist, photographer, etc.; pose: to sit for a portrait.

to remain quiet or inactive: They let the matter sit.

(of a bird) to perch or roost.

(of a hen) to cover eggs to hatch them; brood.

to fit, rest, or hang, as a garment: The jacket sits well on your shoulders.

to occupy a place or have a seat in an official assembly or in an official capacity, as a legislator, judge, or bishop.

to be convened or in session, as an assembly.

to act as a baby-sitter.

(of wind) to blow from the indicated direction: The wind sits in the west tonight.

to be accepted or considered in the way indicated: Something about his looks just didn't sit right with me.

Informal. to be acceptable to the stomach: Something I ate for breakfast didn't sit too well.

Chiefly British. to take a test or examination: I’m studying now, and I plan to sit in June.

verb (used with object), sat or (Archaic) sate; sat or (Archaic) sit·ten; sit·ting.

to cause to sit; seat (often followed by down): Sit yourself down. He sat me near him.

to sit astride or keep one's seat on (a horse or other animal): She sits her horse gracefully.

to provide seating accommodations or seating room for; seat: Our dining-room table only sits six people.

Informal. to serve as baby-sitter for: A neighbor can sit the children while you go out.

Chiefly British. to take (a test or examination): She finally received permission to sit the exam at a later date.

Verb Phrases

sit down,

to take a seat.
to descend to a sitting position; alight.
to take up a position, as to encamp or besiege: The military forces sat down at the approaches to the city.

sit in,

to attend or take part as a visitor or temporary participant: to sit in at a bridge game; to sit in for the band's regular pianist.
to take part in a sit-in.

sit in on, to be a spectator, observer, or visitor at: to sit in on classes.

sit on/upon,

to inquire into or deliberate over: A coroner's jury was called to sit on the case.
Informal. to suppress; silence: They sat on the bad news as long as they could.
Informal. to check or rebuke; squelch: I'll sit on him if he tries to interrupt me.

sit out,

to stay to the end of: Though bored, we sat out the play.
to surpass in endurance: He sat out his tormentors.
to keep one's seat during (a dance, competition, etc.); fail to participate in: We sat out all the Latin-American numbers.

sit up,

to rise from a supine to a sitting position.
to delay the hour of retiring beyond the usual time.
to sit upright; hold oneself erect.
Informal. to become interested or astonished: We all sat up when the holiday was announced.

Origin of sit

before 900; Middle English sitten, Old English sittan; cognate with Dutch zitten, German sitzen, Old Norse sitja; akin to Gothic sitan, Latin sedēre, Greek hézesthai (base hed-); cf. set, sedate, cathedral, nest

SYNONYMS FOR sit

10 meet, assemble, convene, gather.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR sit ON THESAURUS.COM

Can be confused

set sit (see usage note at set)

Usage note

See set.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (1 of 4)

HAND

/ text messaging /

abbreviation for

have a nice day

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (2 of 4)

SIT

/ text messaging /

abbreviation for

stay in touch

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (3 of 4)

hand

/ (hænd) /

noun

the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm
the bones of this partRelated adjective: manual

the corresponding or similar part in animals

something resembling this in shape or function

the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game
a player holding such cards
one round of a card game

agency or influencethe hand of God

a part in something donehe had a hand in the victory

assistanceto give someone a hand with his work

a pointer on a dial, indicator, or gauge, esp on a clockthe minute hand

acceptance or pledge of partnership, as in marriagehe asked for her hand; he gave me his hand on the merger

a position or direction indicated by its location to the side of an object or the observeron the right hand; on every hand

a contrastive aspect, condition, etc (in the phrases on the one hand, on the other hand)

(preceded by an ordinal number) source or origina story heard at third hand

a person, esp one who creates somethinga good hand at painting

a labourer or manual workerwe've just taken on a new hand at the farm

a member of a ship's crewall hands on deck

printing another name for index (def. 9)

a person's handwritingthe letter was in his own hand

a round of applausegive him a hand

ability or skilla hand for woodwork

a manner or characteristic way of doing somethingthe hand of a master

a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers

a cluster or bundle, esp of bananas

a shoulder of pork

one of the two possible mirror-image forms of an asymmetric object, such as the direction of the helix in a screw thread

a free hand freedom to do as desired

a hand's turn (usually used with a negative) a small amount of workhe hasn't done a hand's turn

a heavy hand tyranny, persecution, or oppressionhe ruled with a heavy hand

a high hand an oppressive or dictatorial manner

at hand or near at hand very near or close, esp in time

at someone's hand or at someone's hands fromthe acts of kindness received at their hands

by hand

by manual rather than mechanical means
by messenger or personallythe letter was delivered by hand

come to hand to become available; be received

force someone's hand to force someone to act

from hand to hand from one person to another

from hand to mouth

in povertyliving from hand to mouth
without preparation or planning

hand and foot in all ways possible; completelythey waited on him hand and foot

hand in glove in an intimate relationship or close association

hand in hand

together; jointly
clasping each other's hands

hand over fist steadily and quickly; with rapid progresshe makes money hand over fist

hold one's hand to stop or postpone a planned action or punishment

hold someone's hand to support, help, or guide someone, esp by giving sympathy or moral support

in hand

in possession
under control
receiving attention or being acted on
available for use; in reserve
with deferred paymenthe works a week in hand

keep one's hand in to continue or practise

lend a hand to help

on hand close by; presentI'll be on hand to help you

out of hand

beyond control
without reservation or deeper examinationhe condemned him out of hand

set one's hand to

to sign (a document)
to start (a task or undertaking)

show one's hand to reveal one's stand, opinion, or plans

take in hand to discipline; control

throw one's hand in See throw in (def. 3)

to hand accessible

try one's hand to attempt to do something

(modifier)

of or involving the handa hand grenade
made to be carried in or worn on the handhand luggage
operated by handa hand drill

(in combination) made by hand rather than by a machinehand-sewn

verb (tr)

to transmit or offer by the hand or hands

to help or lead with the hand

nautical to furl (a sail)

hand it to someone to give credit to someone

Derived Forms

handless, adjectivehandlike, adjective

Word Origin for hand

Old English hand; related to Old Norse hönd, Gothic handus, Old High German hant

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (4 of 4)

sit

/ (sɪt) /

verb sits, sitting or sat (mainly intr)

(also tr; when intr, often foll by down, in, or on) to adopt or rest in a posture in which the body is supported on the buttocks and thighs and the torso is more or less uprightto sit on a chair; sit a horse

(tr) to cause to adopt such a posture

(of an animal) to adopt or rest in a posture with the hindquarters lowered to the ground

(of a bird) to perch or roost

(of a hen or other bird) to cover eggs to hatch them; brood

to be situated or located

(of the wind) to blow from the direction specified

to adopt and maintain a posture for one's portrait to be painted, etc

to occupy or be entitled to a seat in some official capacity, as a judge, elected representative, etc

(of a deliberative body) to be convened or in session

to remain inactive or unusedhis car sat in the garage for a year

to rest or lie as specifiedthe nut was sitting so awkwardly that he couldn't turn it

(of a garment) to fit or hang as specifiedthat dress sits well on you

to weigh, rest, or lie as specifiedgreatness sits easily on him

(tr) mainly British to take (an examination)he's sitting his bar finals

(usually foll by for) mainly British to be a candidate (for a qualification)he's sitting for a BA

(intr; in combination) to look after a specified person or thing for someone elsegranny-sit

(tr) to have seating capacity for

sitting pretty informal well placed or established financially, socially, etc

sit tight

to wait patiently; bide one's time
to maintain one's position, stand, or opinion firmly

Word Origin for sit

Old English sittan; related to Old Norse sitja, Gothic sitan, Old High German sizzen, Latin sedēre to sit, Sanskrit sīdati he sits

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for sit on one's hands

hand

[ hănd ]

n.

The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.

A homologous or similar part in other animals.

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (1 of 3)

sit on one's hands

Take no action; also, fail to applaud. For example, Instead of making a new will, George is sitting on his hands, or The matinee audience was apathetic, sitting on their hands for the whole performance. Both usages of this metaphor for passivity date from the first half of the 1900s.

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (2 of 3)

hand

In addition to the idioms beginning with hand

hand and foot
hand down
hand in glove
hand in hand
hand in the till, with one's
hand it to
handle to one's name
handle with gloves
hand on
hand out
hand over
hand over fist
hand over hand
hands are tied
hands down
hands off
hands up
hand to hand
hand to mouth, from
hand to on a silver platter

also see:

at first hand
at hand
at second hand
at the hand of
back of one's hand
bare hands
bird in the hand
bite the hand that feeds you
bound hand and foot
by hand
catch red-handed
change hands
clean hands
cold hands, warm heart
deal in (one a hand)
dirty one's hands
eat out of someone's hand
feed (hand) someone a line
force someone's hand
free hand
from hand to hand
give a hand
glad hand
grease someone's palm (hand)
hang heavy on one's hands
hat in hand
have a hand in
have one's hands full
heavy hand
helping hand
in good hands
in hand
in one's hands
in the hands of
iron hand
keep one's hand in
know like a book (the back of one's hand)
lay hands on
left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
left-handed compliment
lend a hand
many hands make light work
off one's hands
on a platter, hand
on hand
on one's hands
on the one hand
on the other hand
out of control (hand)
out of hand
play into the hands of
putty in someone's hands
raise a hand against
right-hand man
rub one's hands
shake hands
show of hands
show one's hand
sit on one's hands
sleight of hand
take in hand
take into one's hands
take one's life (in one's hands)
take the law into one's hands
throw in one's hand
throw up one's hands
tie one's hands
time on one's hands
tip one's hand
to hand
try one's hand
turn one's hand to
upper hand
wait on hand and foot
wash one's hands of
with one arm (hand) tied

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (3 of 3)

sit

In addition to the idioms beginning with sit

sit at one's feet
sit back
sit bolt upright
sit by
sit down
sit in
sit on
sit on one's hands
sit out
sit pretty
sit through
sit tight
sit up
sit well with

also see:

at a sitting

hand

noun

verb (used with object)

adjective

Verb Phrases

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Idioms

Origin of hand

SYNONYMS FOR hand

Related forms

Definition for sit on one's hands (2 of 2)

sit

verb (used without object), sat or (Archaic) sate; sat or (Archaic) sit·ten; sit·ting.

verb (used with object), sat or (Archaic) sate; sat or (Archaic) sit·ten; sit·ting.

Verb Phrases

Origin of sit

SYNONYMS FOR sit

Can be confused

Usage note

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (1 of 4)

HAND

abbreviation for

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (2 of 4)

SIT

abbreviation for

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (3 of 4)

hand

noun

verb (tr)

Derived Forms

Word Origin for hand

British Dictionary definitions for sit on one's hands (4 of 4)

sit

verb sits, sitting or sat (mainly intr)

Word Origin for sit

Medicine definitions for sit on one's hands

hand

n.

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (1 of 3)

sit on one's hands

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (2 of 3)

hand

Idioms and Phrases with sit on one's hands (3 of 3)

sit