show of hands: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “show of hands” mean?
A method of voting or gauging opinion where people indicate their choice by raising one hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of voting or gauging opinion where people indicate their choice by raising one hand.
Any informal, visual assessment of group sentiment or preference, often used for quick, non-binding decisions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is identical in form and core meaning. Minor differences may exist in the procedural context (e.g., in formal meetings governed by different rules of order).
Connotations
Connotes democracy, simplicity, and direct participation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and idiomatic in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “show of hands” in a Sentence
call for a show of handsdecide by (a) show of handsput it to a show of handsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in meetings to quickly gauge agreement on a proposal before a formal vote: 'We'll start with a show of hands on the marketing budget.'
Academic
Used in classrooms for instant feedback or to choose between topics: 'The lecturer used a show of hands to see who had read the material.'
Everyday
Used in casual group settings to make decisions like where to eat: 'A quick show of hands for pizza versus Chinese?'
Technical
Used in parliamentary procedure or formal assemblies as a preliminary voting method, often preceding a counted vote.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show of hands”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “show of hands”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show of hands”
- Using it as a verb: Incorrect: *'Let's show of hands.' Correct: 'Let's have a show of hands.'
- Confusing the article: Usually 'a show of hands,' but can be used without after certain prepositions (e.g., 'by show of hands').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be used in formal settings (e.g., committee meetings under Robert's Rules) for preliminary or non-controversial motions, but for major decisions, a secret or counted vote is often required for accuracy and privacy.
A show of hands is a simultaneous, public visual count. A roll call vote involves the chair reading each member's name aloud and recording their individual vote, creating a permanent, public record.
Yes, though less commonly. It can refer to any situation where support is visibly apparent, e.g., 'The strong applause was a clear show of hands for the new policy.'
Common formulas include: 'Let's see a show of hands for option A,' 'All in favour, please raise your hand,' or 'Can I have a show of hands of those who agree?'
A method of voting or gauging opinion where people indicate their choice by raising one hand.
Show of hands: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃəʊ əv ˈhændz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃoʊ əv ˈhændz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a classroom where the teacher asks a question and a FOREST of HANDS SHOOTS up to show the answer.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS A VISIBLE, PHYSICAL GESTURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'show of hands' LEAST appropriate?