ENGLISH
REFERENCE

back of one's hand

idiom
Meaning

A display of disrespect or scorn.


Examples
SIMPLE

He gave his rude neighbor the back of his hand.

CONTEXTUAL

When the arrogant salesman tried to cheat her, she gave him the back of her hand and walked away.

COMPLEX

The weary diplomat, having endured years of insults, finally gave the back of his hand to the aggressive demands of the opposing delegation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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