change hands: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘change hands’ mean?
"Change hands" is an idiom that means the ownership or possession of something is transferred from one person or group to another.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on someone's hands" means that someone is responsible or accountable for something or someone.
The idiom "on someone's hands" is commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone has responsibility or control over something or someone. It is often used in a negative context to imply that the person is burdened or overwhelmed by the task or obligation at hand.
The idiom "exchange contracts" refers to the final stage in a property transaction when the buyer and seller legally commit to the sale. At this point, the terms and conditions of the contract are agreed upon and exchanged. This signifies a significant step towards completing the deal.
The idiom "eat out of someone's hand" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, obeying their every command without question.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" means that something acquired quickly or easily is just as easily lost or taken away.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" is an English expression that has been around for centuries. It conveys the idea that things acquired easily are just as easily lost or wasted. It originated in the 16th century and is still commonly used today.
The idiom "depart with" means to part with or give up something, often reluctantly or with some regret. It implies the act of letting go of something that was previously held or possessed.
The idiom "deal a hand" means to distribute or assign a set of cards in a game, often referring to poker. It can also be used figuratively to mean to give someone a particular situation or set of circumstances.
The idiom "cut a deal" means to make an agreement or negotiate a settlement, often involving compromises or concessions, usually in a business or legal context.
The idiom "cross to take up" means to switch from one side or position to another, often involving a change in opinion or loyalty.
The idiom "cross someone's palm" means to pay someone for a service or to bribe someone, often involving the exchange of money placed in the person's hand.
The idiom "clean hands" means to be free from any involvement or guilt in a particular situation or wrongdoing.
The Evolution
The idiom "change hands" is a commonly used phrase in English. It refers to the transfer of ownership or control of something from one person or entity to another. It can describe the sale or exchange of goods, property, possessions, or even ideas. The origins of this idiom are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 18th century.
One interpretation of the idiom suggests that it may have originated from physically handing over items to signify a change in ownership. When a buyer purchases a product from a seller, they physically exchange money and goods, signifying that the item has changed hands. This physical act may have led to the development of the metaphorical expression.
The idiom "change hands" is versatile and can be applied to various contexts. It can refer to the transfer of ownership in business transactions, such as the sale of a company or the transfer of shares. It can also be used in reference to real estate, when a property is sold from one person to another.
Additionally, the idiom can convey a shift in control or power. In politics, when leadership or authority moves from one party or individual to another, it can be said that power has changed hands. Similarly, in sports, when a team loses a game or match to another team, it can be said that victory has changed hands.
The idiom "change hands" is a succinct and powerful way to communicate transferal, whether it be ownership, control, or power. It is highly adaptable and useful in everyday language.
The related idiom "on someone's hands" further emphasizes the concept of ownership or responsibility. When something is "on someone's hands," it means that they are responsible for it. For example, if a project is "on someone's hands," it means they are in charge of its completion or success.
Another related idiom, "catch hands," is often used in sports or physical contests. It means to make contact with the opponent, typically in a forceful or aggressive manner. For example, in boxing, a fighter may try to "catch hands" to land a punch on their opponent.
The idiom "change over" is closely related to "change hands" as it also implies a shift or transfer. However, "change over" is often used to describe a transition or conversion from one state or condition to another. For example, when a business "changes over" to a new software system, it means they are transitioning from their old system to a new one.
Finally, the idiom "deal a hand" is commonly used in card games. It refers to the action of distributing the cards to players. Each player receives a hand of cards, and the cards they are dealt can greatly influence their chances of winning the game.
The idiom "change hands" is a versatile expression that conveys the transfer of ownership or control in various contexts. It is commonly used in business, real estate, sports, and other areas where transferal occurs. The related idioms "on someone's hands," "catch hands," "change over," and "deal a hand" further enhance the understanding and usage of the idiom "change hands."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "change hands" can be used in a sentence:
- The ownership of the company changed hands after a hostile takeover.
- The valuable antique vase changed hands several times before being sold at an auction.
- When a business is sold, it is common for the assets and liabilities to change hands.
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