have one's hand out
To request benefits, especially monetary ones and especially if not entitled to them.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He always has his hand out whenever he sees his wealthy uncle.”
“I am tired of my neighbor always having his hand out instead of looking for a job.”
“Despite his immense personal wealth, he constantly had his hand out, seeking government subsidies for projects he could easily afford himself.”
The idiom originates as an allusion to the physical posture of a beggar. It refers to the specific, beseeching gesture of extending one's palm to receive alms.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 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”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026