ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wait upon hand and foot

idiom
Meaning

Alternative form of wait on hand and foot.


Examples
SIMPLE

He expects his assistant to wait upon him hand and foot.

CONTEXTUAL

She felt exhausted because her guests expected her to wait upon them hand and foot throughout the entire weekend.

COMPLEX

The spoiled heir grew accustomed to a life of luxury where servants waited upon him hand and foot, leaving him unable to perform even the simplest daily tasks.

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

    beat feet

    To run.

  4. 04

    big hand

    Synonym of minute hand (on a clock face).

  5. 05

    bite someone's hand off

    To enthusiastically accept an offer.

  6. 06

    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).

  7. 07

    can't wait

    To eagerly anticipate; to find it hard to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.

  8. 08

    cap in hand

    In a humble and respectful manner.

Last updated April 17, 2026