ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trade hands

idiom
Meaning

To change ownership.


Examples
SIMPLE

This old house will soon trade hands.

CONTEXTUAL

The famous painting is expected to trade hands at the auction later this evening.

COMPLEX

After decades of remaining within the same family, the historic estate finally traded hands following the patriarch's passing.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    carriage trade

    Wealthy or upper-class people in general.

  2. 02

    catch hands

    To take a punch; to get hit, especially with the hand or fist.

  3. 03

    change hands

    To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.

  4. 04

    clap one's hands red

    To clap or applaud intensely.

  5. 05

    clean hands

    Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

  6. 06

    dishpan hands

    Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.

  7. 07

    extra pair of hands

    The assistance of another person.

  8. 08

    fall into the wrong hands

    To become the possession of, or be discovered by, an unfriendly third party.

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