ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hold someone's hand

idiom
Meaning

To guide somebody through the basics or assist with excessively small details.


Examples
SIMPLE

You do not need to hold my hand through this simple task.

CONTEXTUAL

The new employee struggled with the software, so the manager had to hold his hand during the first few days.

COMPLEX

While the project required significant technical expertise, the senior consultant refused to hold the client's hand, insisting they learn the core processes independently.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  2. 02

    answer someone's prayers

    To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  3. 03

    answer to someone's prayers

    Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  4. 04

    apple of someone's eye

    The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.

  5. 05

    apron-string hold

    An estate held by a man during his wife's life.

  6. 06

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  7. 07

    bane of someone's existence

    Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.

  8. 08

    bash someone's face in

    To beat someone violently.

Last updated July 12, 2026