# at the hands of sb

idiom · CEFR C1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/at-the-hands-of-sb
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

to experience something bad because of another person's actions or power.

## Examples

- The team suffered a defeat at the hands of their rivals.
- The small business struggled after facing unfair competition at the hands of a much larger corporation.
- Throughout the long conflict, the civilian population endured immense suffering at the hands of the invading army.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.