hand over fist: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hand over fist’ mean?
The idiom hand over fist means to make or acquire money rapidly and in large quantities.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom "have one's hand out" means to ask for money or help from someone, usually in a demanding or pushy manner.
The idiom "have one's hand in the till" means to be illegally involved in stealing money from one's own workplace or organization.
The idiom "have one's hand in the till" is commonly used to describe situations where someone is involved in financial dishonesty or embezzlement. It originated in British English as early as the 17th century and has since become a familiar expression in American English and popular culture.
The idiom "have a hand in" means to be involved or to play a part in something.
The idiom "have a hand in" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It has a figurative meaning that represents involvement or participation in a particular matter or event. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 17th century, and it is believed to have derived from the idea of physically having a hand in something.
The idiom "hat in hand" means to be humble or submissive, often after a failure or when seeking forgiveness or help.
The idiom "hand someone his hat" means to defeat or humiliate someone decisively.
Hand someone his hat is a popular idiom in English that signifies defeat or humiliation. It is used metaphorically in different situations, conveying the idea that someone has been outperformed or outwitted to such an extent that they feel embarrassed or diminished.
The idiom "hands down" means easily or without any doubt, typically used to describe a situation where one option or person is clearly better than the others.
The idiom "hand over head" refers to doing something quickly or without care, often in a hurried or reckless manner.
The idiom "hand over" means to give or transfer something to someone else, usually with the implication of authority or control. It can also indicate the act of surrendering or yielding to someone or something.
The idiom "hand off" means to pass or transfer the responsibility or control of something to someone else.
Unraveling Fortune
The idiom "hand over fist" is used to describe the rapid and continuous accumulation of something valuable, often in a financial or material sense. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated as a nautical term in the early 19th century.
The word "hand" in the idiom symbolizes effort, action, or labor. It represents the physical act of using one's hand to grasp or hold onto something. The phrase "over fist" suggests the act of gripping or closing the hand tightly, as if gathering or hoarding something in a rapid and forceful manner.
When combined, "hand over fist" metaphorically represents a swift and steady progression or accumulation of something valuable. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone is gaining wealth, success, or power at an impressive and consistent rate. It implies a sense of continuous growth or advancement that is hard to stop or slow down.
hand over hand is a related idiom that is used to describe a method of climbing or moving by alternately placing one hand above the other. This idiom emphasizes the physical act of grasping and demonstrates the effort and determination involved in making progress.
hand over head is another related idiom that suggests a hasty or careless action. It implies a lack of thought or consideration, as if something is done without much effort or concern. This idiom contrasts with "hand over fist" in its connotation of carelessness or recklessness.
fork over is a related idiom that means to pay or hand over money. This idiom suggests a reluctance or resistance to giving up one's money. Unlike "hand over fist," which implies a rapid and continuous accumulation of wealth, "fork over" emphasizes the act of reluctantly giving away money or resources.
Hand over is a simpler and more straightforward idiom that means to give or transfer something to someone else. While "hand over fist" conveys a sense of rapid and continuous progression, "hand over" is a more general expression that implies a single act of transferring something from one person to another.
The idiom "hand over fist" is commonly used in business, investment, and gambling contexts, where rapid gains or losses can occur. It emphasizes the speed, volume, or ease of acquiring or losing money. It is also used in non-financial contexts, such as describing the rapid progress of a project, the quick accumulation of points in a game, or the swift growth of a company.
The idiom "hand over fist" represents a swift and continuous progression or accumulation of something valuable. Although its exact origins are uncertain, it has been in use for over a century and continues to be a part of everyday language. Its metaphorical imagery and associations with wealth and success make it a powerful expression, conveying a sense of rapid and unstoppable advancement.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hand over fist" can be used in a sentence:
- He was making money hand over fist thanks to his successful business venture.
- The company is losing customers hand over fist due to poor customer service.
- She was climbing the corporate ladder hand over fist, quickly moving up to a higher position.
More "Financial" idioms
