Many Hands

Idioms & common expressions with the word “hand”.

Read the idioms, their explanation and then try the exercise that follows.

-A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: Proverb meaning that having something for certain is better than a possibility of something better. -At hand: Close in distance or time. -By hand: Using the hands, manually. -By a show of hands: A vote expressed by people raising their hands. -Come in handy: Be useful or helpful. -Eat out of someone’s hand: To be completely controlled by someone. -Fall into the hands of someone: To be captured by someone or fall under their influence. -Get/lay your hands on: To find, get, or control (someone or something). -Get out of hand: To become out of control. -Give/lend a hand: To help someone. -Give somebody a big hand: To applaud somebody. -Go hand in hand: Together and connected with each other. -Hands down: Without question, easily. -Hand in glove: Very closely. -Hand it to someone: To give someone recognition or congratulations on a job well done -Have a hand in something: To be involved in it. -Have someone in the palm of your hand: To have absolute control over someone. -In hand: In your possession or control. -Know something like the back of your hand: To know something very well. -Many hands make light work: Proverb meaning that when everyone helps with a large task, it will get done easily and quickly. -Off someone’s hands: Out of their power or influence. -Offhand: Without premeditation or preparation. -On hand: Available for use. -Second hand: Vintage, having had a previous owner. -Someone’s hands are tied: Not free to do or behave in the way you like. -Throws your hands up: To be or get frustrated. -Wait on somebody hand and foot: To do everything for someone so that they do not have to do anything for themselves -Wash one's hands of someone or something: To end an association with someone or something.

Exercise: Fill in the gaps with a suitable idiom.

1. This has to be, .................................. , the best pizza I’ve ever had.

2. The kids got a bit ..................................during their trip to the fair but in the end, they are kids!
   
   
3. I bought an old pair of jeans at a vintage store. They are ...................................
   
   
4. The new car was basically Tom's idea but I think his mom .................................. it too.

5. Both my colleagues are working ..................................to finish the project.

6. It was reported that last week a few soldiers  .................................. their enemies.

7. The other driver was furious. He ...................................

8. Many say that crime .................................. with economic conditions.

9. I’m addicted to chocolate bars I always have lots of them ...................................

10. If I don’t have my cellphone close .................................. I feel something is missing.

11. Jane makes bracelets, earrings and necklaces ................................... She’s very artistic.

12. We finally managed to ..................................our ..................................some of that apple pie.

13. The little girl has her daddy ..................................her ...................................

14. I can’t give you an answer .................................., I have to think about it.

15. We could call all our friends to help us paint the house. ..................................!
16. My brother is so lazy, he wants a girlfriend to ..................................him ...................................

17. You might get a better offer, but remember that ..................................

18. We voted for the candidates for team leader ...................................

19. I .................................. Christopher. I want no more to do with him.

20. I have too much work already. I would like to help you but ..................................

21. I know the north of the country ..................................my ...................................

22. My friend the philantropist is always willing to .................................. to anybody in need.

23. The audience .................................. the musicians and singers ...................................

24. She is a great manager, we have to .................................. her.
    
    
    

Answers here!