ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have one's hand out

idiom
Meaning

To request benefits, especially monetary ones and especially if not entitled to them.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the beseeching manner and typical gesture of a beggar.

Examples
SIMPLE

He always has his hand out whenever he sees his wealthy uncle.

CONTEXTUAL

I am tired of my neighbor always having his hand out instead of looking for a job.

COMPLEX

Despite his immense personal wealth, he constantly had his hand out, seeking government subsidies for projects he could easily afford himself.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 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”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026