Hand Idioms

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butter fingers

Meaning: a person who frequently drops things.

Example: Mark, our star receiver, turned into a butterfingers and dropped the ball at the crucial moment. Read more ➺


hand to mouth

Meaning: Living with only enough for immediate needs; no savings or surplus.

Example: After losing his job, he had to live hand to mouth, relying on daily wages for food. Read more ➺


lend a hand

Meaning: to assist or help someone particularly voluntarily.

Example: When my friend was moving to his new house, I offered to lend a hand with preparing, packing, and carrying boxes. Read more ➺


high five

Meaning: celebratory hand slap done between two people.

Example: Let's high-five after we finish this project. Read more ➺


hand in hand

Meaning: close ties or connections

Example: I saw a couple walking hand in hand along the beach.  Read more ➺


backhanded compliment

Meaning: give ironical praise to someone

Example: The judges loved your performance, but this was a backhanded compliment since they also highlighted it was blunt. Read more ➺


green thumb

Meaning: good gardening results

Example: My mother has green fingers. She can grow just about anything in the garden. Read more ➺


dab hand

Meaning: an expert or skilled person

Example: Sophia is a dab hand at cooking. Read more ➺


out of hand

Meaning: out of control

Example: When the police arrived, they realised the party was getting out of hand. Read more ➺


on/to hand

Meaning: present, nearby, close, or easily accessible

Example: My parents are always on hand if we need a babysitter. Read more ➺


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