hand and glove

H

hand and glove (idiom)
/hænd ənd ɡlʌv/

Variants

• hand in glove
• go hand in glove
• be hand and glove

Meaning

• Describes a very close relationship between two people or groups, often implying harmony or cooperation.
• Refers to people who work together very well and are closely connected in purpose or action.
• Indicates a situation where two things fit or match perfectly, either in function or character.
• Suggests involvement or association, sometimes in a way that hints at secrecy or complicity, especially in wrongdoing.

Example Sentences

1. The manager and the assistant work hand and glove to keep the project running smoothly.
2. They’ve been hand and glove since college, always supporting each other’s careers.
3. The politician was found to be hand and glove with corrupt business owners.
4. Creativity and marketing must go hand and glove in a successful campaign.
5. Her ideas fit hand and glove with the company’s long-term vision.
6. The two gangs were operating hand and glove, sharing resources and strategies.

Origin and History

Literal Imagery and Metaphorical Meaning

The phrase “hand and glove” draws directly from the physical closeness of a hand fitting snugly into a glove. This intimate fit serves as a metaphor for relationships characterized by close cooperation, harmony, or, in some contexts, collusion. Over time, the idiom has been employed to describe both positive collaborations and secretive alliances.

Earliest Documented Usage

The earliest known appearance of the phrase is in John Ray’s A Collection of English Proverbs (1678), where it is listed as “hand and glove.” This suggests that the idiom was already in colloquial use in England by the late 17th century. Subsequent literary references include Jonathan Swift’s Polite Conversation (circa 1738), which uses the variant “hand in glove,” indicating the evolution of the phrase’s form over time.

Geographical and Cultural Origins

The idiom originated in England, where gloves were not only common apparel but also held symbolic significance in social and legal contexts. For instance, gloves were often used in ceremonial gestures, such as challenges or agreements, which may have influenced the metaphorical application of the phrase to denote close relationships or alliances.

Evolution of Usage and Connotation

Initially, “hand and glove” conveyed a neutral or positive sense of closeness and compatibility. However, over time, especially with the variant “hand in glove,” the idiom began to acquire a more negative connotation, often implying secretive or illicit collaboration. This shift is evident in literature and historical accounts where the phrase is used to describe conspiratorial relationships.

Symbolism of Gloves in Historical Context

In medieval and early modern Europe, gloves were imbued with symbolic meaning. They were used in various rituals and customs, such as the act of throwing down a glove to issue a challenge or as a token in legal agreements. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the idiom’s metaphorical resonance, linking the physical glove to concepts of commitment, challenge, and alliance.

Synonyms

1. thick as thieves
2. joined at the hip
3. in cahoots
4. side by side

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

Hand, Relationship