H
Idioms beginning with "H"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of H:
[hand something to someone on a silver platter] {v. phr.}
To give a person a reward that has not been earned.
The lazy student expected his diploma to be handed to him on a silver platter.
[hand to hand] {adv. phr.}
Close together, near enough to hit each other.
The two soldiers fought hand to hand until one fell badly wounded.
In modern naval warfare, men seldom fight hand to hand.
Compare: [FACE TO FACE].
[hand-me-down] {n.}, {informal}
Something given away after another person has no more use for it; especially, used clothing.
Alice had four older sisters, so all her clothes were hand-me-downs.
[hand-pick] {v.}, {informal}
To choose very carefully.
This debating team should win because its members are all hand-picked.
The political bosses hand-picked a man for mayor who would agree with them.
[hand-to-hand] {adj.}
Close to each other; near enough to hit each other.
The result of the battle was decided in hand-to-hand combat.
When the police tried to break up the riot, there was hand-to-hand fighting with fists, stones, and clubs.
[…]
[hand-to-mouth] {adj.}
Not providing for the future; living from day to day; not saving for later.
Many native tribes lead a hand-to-mouth existence, content to have food for one day at a time.
* /John is not a saving boy; he spends his money […]
[handle to one's name] {n. phr.}, {slang}
A special title used before your name.
Jim's father has a handle to his name. He is Major Watson.
Bob came back from the University with a handle to his name and was called Dr. Jones.
[handle with gloves] or [handle with kid gloves] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To treat very gently and carefully.
An atomic bomb is handled with kid gloves.
2. To treat with great tact and diplomacy.
* /Aunt Jane is so irritable that we have to […]
[handout] {n.}
1. A free gift of food, clothes, etc.
The homeless people were standing in a long line for various handouts.
2. A typed and photocopied sheet or sheets of paper outlining the main points made by a speaker.
* /Please look at page […]