English idiom

in the hands of

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

under the control or responsibility of someone

Why this phrase?

Not about literal hands; means 'controlled by' someone.

Example

“The final decision is now in the hands of the committee.”

Dictionary details

Tags

control

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

every which way

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

get out of hand

To become impossible to control.

under lock and key

kept securely locked away so that access or escape is prevented

batten down the hatches

to prepare yourself and your resources for an approaching difficult situation

breathe down someone's neck

to monitor someone so closely that they feel pressured or uncomfortable

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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