{ "term": "hand", "partOfSpeech": "noun", "ox3000": true, "cefr": "a1", "image": "data/images/bo/body_hand.png", "definitions": [ { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "the part of the body at the end of the arm, including the fingers and thumb", "sensetop": "in your hand", "labels": "(informal)(formal)(British English)(British English)(disapproving)(both informal, often disapproving)(informal, disapproving)", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Ian placed a hand on her shoulder." }, { "text": "Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times." }, { "text": "She had a large diamond on the ring finger of her **left hand**." }, { "text": "He was holding a large mug of coffee in his **right hand**.", "contextForm": "in your hand" }, { "text": "**Put your hand up** if you know the answer." }, { "text": "She was **on (her) hands and knees** *(= crawling* on the floor) looking for an earring." }, { "text": "Couples strolled past **holding hands**." }, { "text": "She introduced us and we **shook hands**." }, { "text": "**Give me your hand** *(= hold my hand)* while we cross the road." }, { "text": "The crowd **threw up their hands** *(= lifted them into the air)* in dismay." }, { "text": "He killed the snake **with his bare hands** *(= using only his hands)*." }, { "text": "a hand gesture/signal" }, { "text": "a **hand towel** *(= a small towel for drying your hands on)*" }, { "text": "a **hand drill** *(= one that is used by turning a handle rather than powered by electricity)*" }, { "text": "A strong hand reached out and caught hold of my arm." }, { "text": "Beth grasped the rope with both hands." }, { "text": "Clive ran a hand through his hair." }, { "text": "Eager hands reached out to help him." }, { "text": "She beat her hands on the steering wheel in frustration." }, { "text": "He clutched the cane in his clammy hand." }, { "text": "He grabbed my hand and motioned for me to follow him." }, { "text": "He had his hands clasped behind his head." }, { "text": "He lifted his hand to her face." }, { "text": "He offered a limp hand to shake." }, { "text": "He rubbed his hands together in satisfaction." }, { "text": "They sat with their heads in their hands." }, { "text": "He shook Blake's hand as if they were long lost friends." }, { "text": "He slid his hands into his pockets." }, { "text": "He wiped his greasy hands on the front of his overalls." }, { "text": "Her busy hands had transformed the tiny room into a work of art." }, { "text": "Her hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh no!’" }, { "text": "Her hand ran over the surface, feeling the different textures." }, { "text": "His hand shook as he lifted the glass to his lips." }, { "text": "Her hand brushed against mine." }, { "text": "His hands clawed at the muddy earth." }, { "text": "His hands cupped her face." }, { "text": "Muriel's hand crept to her neck to hold her pearls." }, { "text": "Operate the gears with your left hand." }, { "text": "She filled our glasses with a generous hand." }, { "text": "She folds her hands in prayer." }, { "text": "She gestured to the window with an open hand." }, { "text": "She had a piece of paper in her hand." }, { "text": "She had large rings on both hands." }, { "text": "She held on to my hand as I tried to leave." }, { "text": "She held up her hand in farewell." }, { "text": "She pressed his hand. ‘I know, ’ she said softly." }, { "text": "She put her hands to her cheeks in embarrassment." }, { "text": "She shivered, rubbing her hands together fiercely." }, { "text": "She shrugged and spread her hands. ‘That's all I can tell you.’" }, { "text": "She smiled and extended a hand in welcome." }, { "text": "She stood in the doorway, hands on hips." }, { "text": "She stood up and went over to them, her hands outstretched." }, { "text": "She studied the object in the palm of her hand." }, { "text": "Slowly Ruth withdrew her hand from his." }, { "text": "The rocks looked like they had been shaped by human hands." }, { "text": "We were all clapping our hands in time to the music." }, { "text": "With his free hand he took hold of the knife." }, { "text": "With a practised hand she motioned a waiter to bring a fresh pot of coffee." }, { "text": "A surgeon needs a good eye and a steady hand." }, { "text": "There's plenty of work for willing hands" }, { "text": "Purée with a hand blender or food processor." } ], "topics": ["Body"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["left", "right", "beautiful"], "verb + hand": ["take", "grab", "reach for"], "hand + verb": ["shake", "tremble", "be outstretched"], "hand + noun": ["gesture", "movement", "position"], "preposition": ["by hand", "by… hands", "in your hand"], "phrases": [ "ball your hands into fists", "fall into the wrong hands", "get your hands off somebody/​something" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "using the hand or number of hands mentioned", "examples": [ { "text": "a one-handed catch" }, { "text": "left-handed scissors *(= intended to be held in your left hand)*" } ] }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "help in doing something", "sensetop": "hand with something", "labels": "(informal)", "cefr": "b1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "The neighbours are always willing to **lend a hand**." }, { "text": "Let me **give you a hand** with those bags *(= help you to carry them)*.", "contextForm": "hand with something" }, { "text": "Do you **need a hand** with those invoices?" } ], "collocations": { "verb + a hand": ["give somebody", "lend (somebody)", "need"] } }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "the part or role that somebody/something plays in a particular situation; somebody’s influence in a situation", "sensetop": "hand in something", "examples": [ { "text": "Early reports suggest the hand of rebel forces in the bombings." }, { "text": "Several of his colleagues **had a hand in** his downfall." }, { "text": "This appointment was an attempt to **strengthen her hand** in policy discussions." } ], "collocations": { "verb + hand": ["have", "strengthen"], "preposition": ["hand in"] } }, { "senseNumber": 5, "definition": "a part of a clock or watch that points to the numbers", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 6, "definition": "a person who does physical work on a farm or in a factory", "cefr": "c2", "examples": [ { "text": "The farmer would bring in hired hands to help harvest the crop." } ], "topics": ["Farming"] }, { "senseNumber": 7, "definition": "a sailor on a ship", "cefr": "c2", "examples": [ { "text": "All hands on deck!" } ], "topics": ["Transport by water"] }, { "senseNumber": 8, "definition": "by a person rather than a machine", "examples": [ { "text": "hand-painted pottery" }, { "text": "hand-knitted" }, { "text": "This item should be hand-washed." }, { "text": "Mail for hand delivery is put in a separate tray." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 9, "definition": "a set of playing cards given to one player in a game", "labels": "(figurative)", "cefr": "c2", "examples": [ { "text": "to be dealt a **good/bad hand**" }, { "text": "She felt that life had dealt her a bad hand." } ], "topics": ["Games and toys"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["bad", "good"], "verb + hand": ["deal (somebody)", "get", "have"] } }, { "senseNumber": 10, "definition": "one stage of a game of cards", "cefr": "c2", "examples": [ { "text": "I'll have to leave after this hand." }, { "text": "Who dealt the last hand?" } ], "topics": ["Games and toys"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["bad", "good"], "verb + hand": ["deal (somebody)", "get", "have"] } }, { "senseNumber": 11, "definition": "a particular style of writing", "labels": "(old use)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 12, "definition": "a unit for measuring the height of a horse, equal to 4 inches or 10.16 centimetres", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "everyone helps or must help, especially in a difficult situation", "labels": "(saying, humorous)", "examples": [ { "text": "There are 30 people coming to dinner tonight, so it's all hands on deck." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "close to you in time or distance", "examples": [ { "text": "Help was at hand." }, { "text": "The property is ideally located with all local amenities close at hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "if you experience something at the hands of somebody, they are the cause of it", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "They suffered years of repression at the hands of the old regime." } ], "topics": ["Change, cause and effect"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to show skill at making or doing things with your hands", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "to tie somebody’s hands and feet together so that they cannot move or escape", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "to prevent somebody from doing what they want by creating rules, limits, etc.", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "it is better to keep something that you already have than to risk losing it by trying to get much more", "labels": "(saying)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to harm somebody who has helped you or supported you", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "by a person rather than a machine", "examples": [ { "text": "The fabric was painted by hand." }, { "text": "Delicate clothes should be washed by hand." }, { "text": "We can apply the power of computational tools in solving mathematical problems that cannot be solved by hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "if a letter is delivered by hand, it is delivered by the person who wrote it, or somebody who is sent by them, rather than by post", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "if you pay for goods and services cash in hand, you pay in cash, especially so that the person being paid can avoid paying tax on the amount", "labels": "(British English, informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "a cash-in-hand payment of £20" } ], "topics": ["Money", "Jobs"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to pass to a different owner", "examples": [ { "text": "The house has changed hands several times." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "near; in a place where somebody/something can be reached easily", "examples": [ { "text": "There are good cafes and a restaurant close at hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "an influence that controls or limits something", "examples": [ { "text": "We need to free business from the dead hand of bureaucracy." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "people who do not have enough to do often start to do wrong", "labels": "(saying)", "examples": [ { "text": "She blamed the crimes on the local jobless teenagers. ‘The devil makes work for idle hands,’ she would say." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to trust somebody and be willing to do what they say", "examples": [ { "text": "She'll have them eating out of her hand in no time." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to become controlled by somebody", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "The town fell into enemy hands." }, { "text": "We don't want this document **falling into the wrong hands**." }, { "text": "After the war, the hotel fell into the hands of an American consortium." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "strong control or discipline", "examples": [ { "text": "Some children need a firm hand to make them behave." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "by experiencing, seeing, etc. something yourself rather than being told about it by somebody else", "examples": [ { "text": "The President visited the area to see the devastation at first hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to bring or hold your hands together", "examples": [ { "text": "She kept her hands folded in her lap." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make somebody do something that they do not want to do or make them do it sooner than they had intended", "examples": [ { "text": "They decided to strike to force the management’s hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to get an advantage over somebody so that you are in control of a particular situation", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do physical work", "examples": [ { "text": "He's not frightened of getting his hands dirty." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions", "examples": [ { "text": "I was given a free hand in designing the syllabus." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to show your approval of somebody by clapping your hands; to be applauded in this way", "examples": [ { "text": "Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big hand to our special guests tonight." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to help somebody", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to ask somebody for something, especially money, in a very polite way that makes you seem less important", "examples": [ { "text": "There’s no way he’ll go cap in hand to his brother." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "permission to marry somebody, especially a woman", "labels": "(old-fashioned)", "examples": [ { "text": "He asked the general for his daughter's hand in marriage." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "working closely with somebody, especially in a secret and/or illegal way", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "if two people are hand in hand, they are holding each other’s hand", "examples": [ { "text": "They walked through the park hand in hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "if two things go hand in hand, they are closely connected and one thing causes the other", "examples": [ { "text": "Poverty and poor health often go hand in hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "easily and without any doubt", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "They **won hands down**." }, { "text": "It is hands down the best movie this year." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to tell somebody not to touch something/somebody", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Get your hands off my boyfriend!" }, { "text": "Hey, hands off! That's my drink!" }, { "text": "She warned her brother to keep his hands off her bag." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "used to tell a group of people to raise one hand in the air if they know the answer to a question, etc.", "examples": [ { "text": "Hands up all those who want to go swimming." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "used by somebody who is threatening people with a gun to tell them to raise both hands in the air", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be responsible for somebody’s death", "examples": [ { "text": "a dictator with the blood of thousands on his hands" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be very busy or too busy to do something else", "examples": [ { "text": "They certainly have their hands full with four kids in the house." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc.", "examples": [ { "text": "I really wish I could help but my hands are tied." } ], "topics": ["Permission and obligation"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have complete control or influence over somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "Even before he plays a note, he has the audience in the palm of his hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have nothing to do or not be busy", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be in a position where you have power or control over somebody/something", "examples": [ { "text": "She had the whip hand and it was useless to resist." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a way of doing something or of treating people that is much stronger and less sensitive than it needs to be", "examples": [ { "text": "the heavy hand of management" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to give somebody support in a difficult situation", "examples": [ { "text": "Do you want me to come along and hold your hand?" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to admit that you have made a mistake or are responsible for something bad", "examples": [ { "text": "I have to hold my hands up and admit that some of the problems have been all my own fault." }, { "text": "The solicitor confirmed that his clients were holding their hands up to the offences." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "being taken care of or dealt with by somebody that you think you can rely on", "examples": [ { "text": "Can I leave these queries in your capable hands?" }, { "text": "He retired feeling confident that his company was in safe hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "if you have time or money in hand, it is left and available to be used", "examples": [ { "text": "We managed to redecorate the house and still have some savings in hand." }, { "text": "She completed the first part of the exam with over an hour in hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "if you have a particular situation in hand, you are in control of it", "examples": [ { "text": "Don’t worry about the travel arrangements—everything is in hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "the job, question, etc. in hand is the one that you are dealing with", "examples": [ { "text": "Please confine your comments to the topic in hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "if somebody works a week, month, etc. in hand, they are paid for the work a week, etc. after they have completed it", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "being taken care of or controlled by somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "The matter is now in the hands of my lawyer." }, { "text": "At that time, the castle was in enemy hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "being taken care of well by somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "I've left the kids in safe hands—with my parents." }, { "text": "Their problem was in the safe hands of the experts." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "if you use the words an iron fist/hand when describing the way that somebody behaves, you mean that they treat people severely. This treatment may be hidden behind a kind appearance (the velvet glove).", "examples": [ { "text": "They promised that the army would strike with an iron fist at any resistance." }, { "text": "The iron hand in the velvet glove approach seems to work best with this age group." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you are too busy to do anything else", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "if two people join hands, they hold each other’s hands", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "to work together in doing something", "examples": [ { "text": "Education has been reluctant to join hands with business." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to occasionally do something that you used to do a lot so that you do not lose your skill at it", "examples": [ { "text": "She retired last year but still teaches the odd class to keep her hand in." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be very familiar with somebody/something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "This is where I grew up. I know this area like the back of my hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to catch somebody that you are annoyed with", "examples": [ { "text": "Wait till I get my hands on him!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to find or get something", "examples": [ { "text": "I know their address is here somewhere, but I can't lay my hands on it right now." }, { "text": "I desperately need to get my hands on some money by Monday." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to spend all the money you earn on basic needs such as food without being able to save any money", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make/lose money very fast and in large quantities", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that a job is made easier if a lot of people help", "labels": "(saying)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do no work", "labels": "(old-fashioned)", "examples": [ { "text": "She hasn't done a hand's turn all week." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do nothing to help somebody", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "The children never lift a finger to help around the house." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to hold out your hand for somebody to shake", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "no longer your responsibility", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "on both/all sides; in both/all directions", "labels": "(literary)", "examples": [ { "text": "Mist curled from the water on either hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "available, especially to help", "examples": [ { "text": "The emergency services were on hand with medical advice." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "if you have somebody/something on your hands, you are responsible for or have to deal with them/it", "examples": [ { "text": "Let me take care of the invitations—you've enough on your hands with the caterers." }, { "text": "They’ll have a fight on their hands if they want to close down the school." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce different points of view, ideas, etc., especially when they are opposites", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "On the one hand they'd love to have kids, but on the other, they don't want to give up their freedom." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "difficult or impossible to control", "examples": [ { "text": "Unemployment is getting out of hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "if you reject, etc. something out of hand, you do so immediately without thinking about it fully or listening to other people’s arguments", "cefr": "c2", "examples": [ { "text": "All our suggestions were dismissed out of hand." } ], "topics": ["Opinion and argument"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "no longer your responsibility", "examples": [ { "text": "I'm afraid the matter is now out of my hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to fail to achieve success by judging your position to be stronger than it really is", "examples": [], "topics": ["Difficulty and failure"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a person who can do, or is doing, a job", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "We need an extra pair of hands if we're going to finish on time." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do exactly what an enemy, opponent, etc. wants so that they gain the advantage in a particular situation", "examples": [ { "text": "If we get the police involved, we'll be playing right into the protesters' hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to spend money or give it to somebody", "labels": "(British English)", "examples": [ { "text": "I've heard he doesn't like putting his hand in his pocket." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "easily controlled or influenced by another person", "examples": [ { "text": "She'll persuade him. He's like putty in her hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to hit or threaten to hit somebody", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a person that you can trust to do a job well", "labels": "(especially British English)", "examples": [ { "text": "Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "by being told about something by somebody else who has seen it or heard about it, not by experiencing, seeing, etc. it yourself", "examples": [ { "text": "I'm fed up of hearing about these decisions third hand!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make your plans or intentions known", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a way of voting for or against something in which people raise their hands to vote", "examples": [ { "text": "The vote was passed by a show of hands." }, { "text": "Let’s have a show of hands. Who’s in favour of the proposal?" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to stop yourself from doing something; to prevent you from doing something", "labels": "(old-fashioned or literary)", "examples": [ { "text": "It was prudence, not logic, that stayed his hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make yourself do something that you are afraid of", "examples": [ { "text": "Taking her courage in both hands, she opened the door and walked in." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to deal with somebody in a strict way in order to improve their behaviour", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to deal with a particular situation yourself because you are not happy with the way that others are dealing with it", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do something illegal in order to punish somebody for doing something wrong, instead of letting the police deal with them", "examples": [ { "text": "After a series of burglaries in the area, the police are worried that residents might take the law into their own hands." }, { "text": "When police failed to arrest the suspect, local people took the law into their own hands and beat him up." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to risk being killed", "examples": [ { "text": "You take your life in your hands just crossing the road here." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to stop doing something or taking part in something, especially because you are not successful", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [], "topics": ["Difficulty and failure"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to raise both hands in the air to show that you are feeling annoyed or upset about something", "examples": [ { "text": "We threw up our hands in despair at the scale of the problem." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "that you can reach or get easily", "examples": [ { "text": "I'm afraid I don't have the latest figures to hand." }, { "text": "Keep a pen and paper to hand for details of this week’s competition." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do something such as an activity or a sport for the first time", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to start doing something or be able to do something, especially when you do it well", "examples": [ { "text": "Jim can turn his hand to most jobs around the house." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to take care of somebody’s needs so well that they do not have to do anything for themselves", "labels": "(disapproving)", "examples": [ { "text": "He seems to expect me to wait on him hand and foot." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to refuse to be responsible for or involved with somebody/something", "examples": [ { "text": "When her son was arrested again she washed her hands of him." }, { "text": "I’ve washed my hands of the whole sordid business." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to win something very easily", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to press somebody’s hand very hard when you shake hands", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to hold your hands together, and twist and press them together in a way that shows you are anxious or upset, especially when you cannot change the situation", "examples": [] } ], "pronunciations": { "uk": [ { "pronunciation": "/hænd/", "audio": "ha/hand/hand__gb_2.mp3" } ], "us": [ { "pronunciation": "/hænd/", "audio": "ha/hand/hand__us_1.mp3" } ] }, "wordOrigin": "Old English hand, hond, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hand and German Hand." }