ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dishpan hands

idiom
Meaning

Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.


Origin

disputed origin

Possibly coined circa mid-1920s for the advertising of Lever Brothers "Lux" brand dishwashing soap.

Examples
SIMPLE

She has dishpan hands from washing so many plates.

CONTEXTUAL

After working as a dishwasher all summer, he developed painful dishpan hands from the harsh soap.

COMPLEX

Despite her efforts to use protective gloves, the constant exposure to industrial detergents left her with severe dishpan hands.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    catch hands

    To take a punch; to get hit, especially with the hand or fist.

  2. 02

    change hands

    To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.

  3. 03

    clap one's hands red

    To clap or applaud intensely.

  4. 04

    clean hands

    Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

  5. 05

    extra pair of hands

    The assistance of another person.

  6. 06

    fall into the wrong hands

    To become the possession of, or be discovered by, an unfriendly third party.

  7. 07

    find one's ass with both hands and a flashlight

    Synonym of know one's ass from a hole in the ground.

  8. 08

    get into the wrong hands

    To fall into the wrong hands.

© 2026 English Reference