ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hand over fist

idiom
Meaning

Quickly or in great quantity, especially in reference to earning money.


Origin

disputed origin

Related to earlier hand over hand, this phrase originally referred to a speedy method of climbing up or hauling on a rope.

Examples
SIMPLE

That new shop is making money hand over fist.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the product went viral on social media, the company has been selling units hand over fist.

COMPLEX

The entrepreneur expanded his empire rapidly, as his innovative software solutions generated revenue hand over fist throughout the fiscal year.

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.

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