hand The word "hand" usually refers to that part of the body that’s at the end of an arm and is used for touching, feeling, and manipulating objects. - You have a left hand and a right hand.
- Your hands do a lot of different things during the course of an average day.
- I use my hands for just about everything that I do.
When used as a noun, "hand" sometimes means assistance. Can you give me a hand?  - Why don’t you give her a hand with those heavy boxes?
- I can use a hand moving this table.
- Can I give you a hand with that?
We also use "hand" as a verb when giving something to someone (hand = give): - Would you hand me that screwdriver, please?
- The mail carrier handed me an envelope.
- Hand in your homework.
As an idiom, you often hear "hand" used with "on" or "off." - He takes a hands-on approach to managing his business. (He supervises and participates in the business.)
- She’s very hands-off when it comes to the raising of her children. (She’s lets the kids do what they want to do, or she doesn’t get very involved.)
December 1, 2011 | 