ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hand over

idiom
Meaning

To relinquish control or possession of something to someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please hand over your phone during the exam.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager refused to hand over the documents until the lawyer arrived.

COMPLEX

After weeks of bitter negotiations, the aging monarch finally agreed to hand over the crown to his impatient heir.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  2. 02

    bear a hand

    To make haste; to help quickly.

  3. 03

    big hand

    Synonym of minute hand (on a clock face).

  4. 04

    bite someone's hand off

    To enthusiastically accept an offer.

  5. 05

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

  6. 06

    cap in hand

    In a humble and respectful manner.

  7. 07

    cold hand

    Used in reference to a player who fails to make successful shots in a game.

  8. 08

    deal a bad hand

    To assign unfavorable circumstances in life to someone.

Last updated April 17, 2026