have one’s hand out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have one's hand out’ mean?
The idiom "have one's hand out" means to ask for money or help from someone, usually in a demanding or pushy manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lend a hand" means to offer assistance or help someone with a task or problem.
The idiom "lend a hand" is a commonly used phrase that expresses the idea of offering assistance or help to someone.
The phrase "lend a hand" is a figurative expression that metaphorically implies the act of temporarily giving one's hand to someone in need.
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom "helping hand" refers to offering assistance or support to someone who is in need or experiencing difficulties.
The phrase "helping hand" is commonly used to refer to assistance or support that is provided to someone in need. It is often used metaphorically, indicating that someone is offering help or giving aid in a difficult situation. This idiom can be seen as a way to describe the act of giving someone a hand or lending a hand when they need it most.
The idiom "have one's hands full" means to be very busy or have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with.
The idiom "have one's hands full" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to indicate that someone is very busy or has a lot to deal with. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 16th century, but the exact source is unknown.
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 their cards" means to terminate someone from their job or position, usually due to poor performance or failure to meet expectations.
Unspoken Expectations
The idiom "have one's hand out" is an expression commonly used in English. It means asking for or seeking something, especially in a financial or material sense. It suggests a sense of dependency or reliance on others for help. The origins of this idiom can be traced to the gesture of holding out one's hand to receive something, which is universally understood as a sign of asking for or accepting an offering. The idiom "bear a hand" is related to "have one's hand out" as it also involves hands and actions, but it conveys a different meaning. "Bear a hand" means to lend assistance or help someone. In contrast, "have one's hand out" specifically refers to asking for or seeking something.
Similarly, the idiom "have a hand in" is related to "have one's hand out," but it has a different connotation. "Have a hand in" means to be involved or participate in something. For example, if someone says they have a hand in a project, it means they are contributing or taking part in it. On the other hand, "have one's hand out" implies a sense of dependency or reliance on others for assistance. It suggests that someone is asking for help or support rather than actively participating.
Another related idiom is "give someone a hand," which means to help or assist someone. It can be seen as the inverse of "have one's hand out" because it involves offering help instead of asking for it. When someone gives another person a hand, they are providing assistance or support. This idiom emphasizes the action of giving rather than receiving. It is important to note the distinction between these idioms and understand their different meanings and contexts.
The idiom "have one's hand out" is commonly used in various contexts, particularly when discussing financial assistance or charity. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a sense of entitlement or dependency on others' generosity. However, it is worth noting that the idiom can also be used in a more neutral or positive context, such as requesting help or guidance in a particular situation. In these instances, "have one's hand out" does not necessarily imply a negative judgment but rather acknowledges a need for assistance.
Understanding the nuances and implications of the idiom "have one's hand out" can enhance one's comprehension and communication skills within the English language. Whether used in a negative or neutral context, the idiom reflects the universal human experience of needing help or support from others. It reminds us that it is okay to ask for assistance when needed and that lending a helping hand to others is a valuable act of kindness. So, next time you find yourself in a situation where you need help, remember that it is perfectly fine to have your hand out and ask for a hand. And when you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to give someone a hand and be that helping hand they might need.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "have one's hand out" can be used in a sentence are:
- She always has her hand out, asking for money.
- He had his hand out, expecting others to do all the work for him.
- They had their hands out, hoping to receive donations for their charity.
More "Expression" idioms
