22 English Idioms With ‘Hand’ And How To Use Them.
Until I started exploring English idioms with the word ‘hand’ I didn’t realise quite how much we use the word in idiomatic phrases and expressions. The word ‘hand’ pops up in so many English idioms (some of which I’ve probably neglected to include!) and quite often, the meaning isn’t as obvious as you’d expect. Amongst other things, we use hand idioms to talk about control, help, fairness, and even sneaky behaviour.
So, if you want to give your English a hand (see what I did there?), here are some useful hand idioms with their meanings and examples of usage to help you use them naturally in your spoken English.
1. To have the upper hand
Meaning: To be in a position of control or advantage in a situation.
Example Sentence: After months of negotiations, the company finally had the upper hand and secured a better deal.
This idiom is great for talking about power dynamics, whether in business, relationships, or even board games!
2. To lend a hand
Meaning: To help someone with something.
Example Sentence: Could you lend me a hand with these boxes? They’re heavier than I expected!
This is a friendly, informal way to ask for or offer help—much better than simply saying help me!
3. To be caught red-handed
Meaning: To be caught in the act of doing something wrong, usually stealing or cheating.
Example Sentence: The shoplifter was caught red-handed when security cameras spotted him putting items in his bag.
This idiom is often used when talking about crime or naughty behaviour—especially if someone has no excuse!
4. To have your hands full
Meaning: To be very busy or occupied with a lot of tasks.
Example Sentence: With three kids under five, she really has her hands full!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with work or life, this idiom sums it up perfectly.
5. To wash your hands of something
Meaning: To stop being involved in or taking responsibility for something.
Example Sentence: After years of trying to fix the project, he decided to wash his hands of it and let someone else take over.
This one has quite a dramatic feel to it—great for those moments when you’re absolutely done with something.
6. A safe pair of hands
Meaning: Someone who is reliable and capable in a difficult situation.
Example Sentence: We need someone experienced to manage this project—luckily, Emma is a safe pair of hands.
A good one to use in professional settings when talking about someone who can handle responsibility well.
7. To put your hands together for
Meaning: To applaud someone.
Example Sentence: Let's put our hands together for the guest speaker who gave such an inspiring talk!
This idiom is often used to introduce applause at events.
8. To force someone’s hand
Meaning: To make someone do something sooner than they intended or before they were ready.
Example Sentence: The leaked news forced the government’s hand, and they had to make an official statement earlier than planned.
This idiom suggests a bit of pressure—use it when someone is pushed into making a decision.
9. To bite the hand that feeds you
Meaning: To be ungrateful or to harm someone who is helping you.
Example Sentence: He criticised his boss in public—talk about biting the hand that feeds you!
This one is often used as a warning: don’t turn against people who support you.
10. To try your hand at something
Meaning: To attempt something new to see if you’re good at it.
Example Sentence: I’ve never painted before, but I thought I’d try my hand at watercolours this weekend.
A great phrase to use when you’re experimenting with a new hobby or skill.
11. Hands are tied
Meaning: To be unable to take action because of restrictions.
Example Sentence: I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied by company policy.
Great for explaining when you can’t do something due to external rules.
12. To put your hand in your pocket
Meaning: To spend or donate money.
Example Sentence: He generously put his hand in his pocket to support the charity.
This idiom is often used when talking about giving money to a good cause.
13. In someone’s hands
Meaning: To be the responsibility or control of someone.
Example Sentence: Once I submit my application, it’s out of my hands and in the hands of the admissions team.
This idiom is useful when talking about decisions or situations where you’re not in control.
14. To change hands
Meaning: To pass from one person to another.
Example Sentence: The company changed hands last year when a new owner took over.
This idiom is often used in business or ownership situations.
15. A free hand
Meaning: The freedom to do something the way you want.
Example Sentence: My boss gave me a free hand to organise the event as I saw fit.
A useful phrase when discussing autonomy in work or personal decisions.
16. To play into someone’s hands
Meaning: To unintentionally do something that benefits another person.
Example Sentence: By reacting angrily, he played right into his opponent’s hands.
This idiom suggests being manipulated into doing something.
17. To keep your hand in
Meaning: To continue practicing something so you don’t lose your skills.
Example Sentence: I don’t play the piano often, but I practice occasionally just to keep my hand in.
A great idiom for staying skilled at something over time.
18. To have a hand in something
Meaning: To be involved in something.
Example Sentence: She had a hand in planning the entire wedding.
Useful for describing participation or contribution to a project.
19. To hold your hands up
Meaning: To admit fault or accept responsibility.
Example Sentence: I’ll hold my hands up—I made a mistake.
A useful phrase when you need to acknowledge wrongdoing.
20. To take matters into your own hands
Meaning: To deal with a problem yourself because others are not doing anything.
Example Sentence: When the landlord refused to fix the heating, she took matters into her own hands and called a repairman.
Perfect for situations where you take direct action.
21. Could count something on (the fingers of) one hand
Meaning: To have very few of something.
Example Sentence: I could count the number of true friends I have on one hand.
This idiom is used when something is rare or limited.
22. On the other hand
Meaning: Used to introduce a contrasting point.
Example Sentence: I love city life. On the other hand, I do miss the peace of the countryside.
A handy phrase for making comparisons.
Idioms with hand are everywhere in English, and now you’ve got them at your fingertips (another idiom for you!). Next time you’re watching a film, reading an article, or chatting with friends, see if you can spot them in action. And why not try your hand at using them in conversation? It’s a great way to sound more natural and expressive in English.
