I share 20 hand idioms, their meanings, and examples to illustrate their usage. From common expressions like “hands down” and “helping hand” to more specific ones like “wait on hand and foot,” each idiom offers insight into different situations and emotions. Hands are a central part of many idioms in the English language, reflecting various aspects of life and experiences.
By understanding these idioms, you can enhance your English vocabulary and communication skills. These phrases are frequently used in everyday conversation, making them essential for anyone looking to master the language.
List of 20 idioms for hands
- Hands down
- Shaking hands with the devil
- Idle hands are the devil’s workshop
- Getting your hands dirty
- Change hands
- Hands up
- Free hands
- Hands to mouth
- Hand in glove
- Hands are tied
- Helping hand
- Get out of hand
- Clean hands
- At my fingertips
- Lend a hand
- Play into someone’s hands
- Wait on hand and foot
- Hands and feet tied
- Hand over fist
- Under my thumb
Funny Idioms for Hand
1. Hands down
Meaning: Easily
Example: He won the game hands down.
2. Shaking hands with the devil
Meaning: Making a risky deal
Example: Agreeing to that contract was like shaking hands with the devil.
3. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop
Meaning: Inactivity leads to mischief
Example: Keep busy, because idle hands are the devil’s workshop.
4. Getting your hands dirty
Meaning: Doing hard work
Example: He got his hands dirty fixing the car.
Best Idioms for Hand
5. Change hands
Meaning: Change ownership
Example: The company changed hands last year.
6. Hands up
Meaning: Surrender
Example: The robber shouted, “Hands up!”
7. Free hands
Meaning: Freedom to act
Example: She had free hands to make decisions.
8. Hands to mouth
Meaning: Barely enough to survive
Example: They live hand to mouth on a small income.
9. Hand in glove
Meaning: In close cooperation
Example: They work hand in glove to achieve success.
10. Hands are tied
Meaning: Unable to act
Example: I wanted to help, but my hands were tied.
11. Helping hand
Meaning: Assistance
Example: She offered a helping hand when I was in trouble.
12. Get out of hand
Meaning: Become uncontrollable
Example: The situation got out of hand quickly.
13. Clean hands
Meaning: Innocent
Example: He has clean hands in this matter.
14. At my fingertips
Meaning: Easily accessible
Example: All the information is at my fingertips.
15. Lend a hand
Meaning: Help someone
Example: Can you lend a hand with this project?
16. Play into someone’s hands
Meaning: Act to someone’s advantage
Example: By arguing, you played right into his hands.
Idioms for Hand and Foot
17. Wait on hand and foot
Meaning: Attend to someone with great care
Example: She waited on her guests hand and foot.
18. Hands and feet tied
Meaning: Restricted
Example: I feel like my hands and Legs are tied at this job.
19. Hand over fist
Meaning: Rapidly
Example: He’s making money hand over fist.
20. Under my thumb
Meaning: Under control
Example: He has everyone under his thumb at the office.
1. How can I use hand idioms in daily conversations?
Hand idioms are commonly used to convey specific meanings in a colorful way. For example, saying “helping hand” means offering assistance. You can incorporate these idioms to make your speech more engaging and relatable.
2. What are some common hand idioms used in business settings?
In business, idioms like “hands are tied” and “change hands” are often used. “Hands are tied” means being unable to act, while “change hands” refers to a change in ownership. These idioms can help articulate complex situations succinctly.
3. How do idioms enhance language learning?
Idioms, such as “hands down” or “get out of hand,” add depth to language learning by providing cultural context and nuanced meanings. They help learners understand and participate in conversations more effectively.
