Hand

Hand

The word hand is one of the most useful in English. For centuries, the hand has been linked to work, help, and connection. That is why there are many expressions with hand.

To lend a hand means to help. If your friend is carrying heavy boxes, you can say, “Do you need me to lend a hand?”

If something gets out of hand, it means it is no longer under control. For example, if children start shouting and running everywhere, you can say, “The party is getting out of hand.”

When you are in good hands, it means you are safe or cared for by someone skilled. A patient in a hospital may feel better if the doctor says, “Don’t worry, you are in good hands.”

To have your hands full means you are very busy. A mother with three small children can say, “I have my hands full.”

If you are caught red-handed, it means you are caught while doing something wrong. A thief who is caught taking money from a store is caught red-handed.

Sometimes, people say time on your hands. This means you are not busy and have extra free time. “He lost his job and now has too much time on his hands.”

To wash your hands of something means to refuse responsibility for it anymore. A manager might say, “I tried to fix the problem, but now I wash my hands of it.”

And if two people are hand in hand, it shows they are walking together in love, friendship, or agreement.

So the word hand reaches far beyond the body. It is full of expressions about control, help, responsibility, and connection with others.