English Reference
Idiom idiom

bear a hand


To make haste; to help quickly.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Please bear a hand with these heavy boxes.

CONTEXTUAL

We need to finish packing before the truck arrives, so please bear a hand and help us move these bags.

COMPLEX

As the storm approached the harbor, the captain ordered the crew to bear a hand and secure the sails before the winds grew too strong.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    average bear

    The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons

  2. 02

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  3. 03

    bad news bears

    Said of someone or something that will bring disaster or bad fortune to one.

  4. 04

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  5. 05

    bear fruit

    To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.

  6. 06

    bear in mind

    To hold (something) in the memory; to remember; also, to be mindful of or pay attention to (something); to consider; to note.

  7. 07

    bear oneself

    To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.

  8. 08

    bear the brunt

    To endure the worst part of something.

Last updated August 10, 2026