hands
A1All registers (Everyday, Formal, Informal, Literary)
Definition
Meaning
The plural of 'hand', referring to the two parts of the human body at the end of the arms, used for holding, manipulating, and touching.
Control, possession, assistance, involvement, or responsibility ('in safe hands', 'hands full'); the people forming a workforce ('all hands on deck'); a pledge or promise ('give me your hand'); a round of applause ('let's give them a hand'); a person's handwriting ('written in his own hand').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The plural 'hands' is used literally for the body parts but also serves as a basis for numerous idioms, metaphorical expressions, and phrasal verbs. It signifies agency, skill, and possession.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. "Give someone a hand" (to help) is slightly more common in American English. Idiomatically, "on your hands and knees" is universal.
Connotations
Similar core connotations across both varieties.
Frequency
The word is equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + hands (e.g., She has small hands)wash + handsput + your + hands + uptake + something + into + your + handsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in safe hands”
- “wash your hands of something”
- “have your hands full”
- “out of your hands”
- “lay your hands on”
- “hands down”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The project is now in the capable hands of the new manager." / "We need all hands on deck to meet the deadline."
Academic
"The study fell into the hands of a peer review panel."
Everyday
"My hands are freezing!" / "Can you give me a hand with these bags?"
Technical
"The robot's end-effectors mimic human hands."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He handed the document to the solicitor.
- The ushers will hand out the programmes.
American English
- She handed the keys to the valet.
- The teacher handed back the tests.
adverb
British English
- Please deliver the package hand-to-hand.
- The message was passed on hand to hand.
American English
- The money was exchanged hand to hand.
- The note was passed hand-to-hand through the crowd.
adjective
British English
- It's a hand-knitted jumper.
- He prefers hand tools for precise work.
American English
- It's a hand-knit sweater.
- He prefers hand tools for detailed work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have two hands.
- Wash your hands before dinner.
- She writes with her hands.
- He raised his hands in surrender.
- My hands were shaking from the cold.
- Could you give me a hand with this heavy box?
- The fate of the company is now in the new CEO's hands.
- She has her hands full looking after three young children.
- The painting changed hands several times before the auction.
- The delicate negotiations were placed in the diplomat's experienced hands.
- He washed his hands of the entire scandalous affair.
- Victory was hers, hands down, after a flawless performance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HAND S = plural. Think: 'I have two HAND-S.'
Conceptual Metaphor
HANDS ARE CONTROL/POSSESSION (e.g., 'The matter is in your hands'), HANDS ARE HELPERS/AGENTS (e.g., 'many hands make light work'), HANDS ARE SKILL (e.g., 'He has good hands').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'arms' for 'hands'. Russian 'руки' can mean both arms and hands. Be specific: 'hands' = кисти рук, ладони.
- "Give me a hand" means help, not just a body part (помочь).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I washed my hand.' (missing plural -s after possessive with two hands). Correct: 'I washed my hands.'
- Confusing 'at hand' (nearby/available) with 'in hand' (under control).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'wash your hands of something' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'hands' is the plural noun or the third person singular present tense of the verb 'to hand' (e.g., He hands me the book).
'At hand' means 'nearby' or 'available' (Help is at hand). 'In hand' means 'under control' or 'being dealt with' (We have the situation in hand).
Yes, especially in the context of a ship's crew ('all hands on deck') or more generally for workers/helpers ('We need more hands for the harvest').
Because hands are fundamental to human action, skill, control, and interaction. They are a primary source domain for metaphorical extensions relating to agency, possession, and help.