hand over fist
hand over fist (idiom)
/ˌhænd oʊvər ˈfɪst/
Synopsis
The idiom “hand over fist” means doing something very quickly, making/losing lots of money fast, or rapidly gaining progress. It comes from British sailors’ quick, alternating hand movements while pulling ropes or climbing, first noted in print in 1803. Originally describing physical effort, it grew into a metaphor for fast success or wealth accumulation.
Meanings
- Doing something very quickly or in large amounts.
- Making a lot of money very quickly.
- Rapid progress or rapid accumulation—gaining or adding things fast.
Synonyms: rapidly; swiftly; quickly; in large quantities; by the bucketload; “raking it in” (informal, money sense).
Example Sentences
- The startup grew hand over fist, signing new customers every week so the team expanded fast.
- After the product launch they were making money hand over fist and could afford to hire more staff.
- During the recession the firm lost cash hand over fist and had to cut costs immediately.
Origin and History
The idiom “hand over fist” originated in British maritime culture, describing the rapid, alternating hand movements of sailors hauling ropes or climbing rigging. Its earliest known printed record appears in “Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America” by John Davis, an English traveler and author, published in London in 1803, documenting his journeys from 1798 to 1802. The phrase was likely already familiar among sailors and coastal communities, reflecting the physical rhythm of their labor.
Evolution of Meaning
Initially a literal depiction of manual effort, “hand over fist” evolved into a metaphor for rapid progress, particularly in accumulating wealth or achieving success. Its vivid imagery of continuous, forceful motion transitioned seamlessly from shipboard terminology to broader English usage, spreading from ports to inland regions and across the Atlantic.
Cultural and Linguistic Significance
Rooted in the seafaring lexicon, the phrase captures the energy of relentless effort and swift advancement. Its persistence over two centuries underscores its ability to convey progress through dynamic, evocative language.
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