wave of the hand
A simple gesture, as used for greeting, command, dismissal, or summoning something as if by magic.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He said goodbye with a quick wave of the hand.”
“The king dismissed his advisors with a casual wave of the hand, signaling that the meeting was over.”
“She seemed to believe that all her complex financial problems would vanish with a simple wave of the hand, as if by magic.”
- 01
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 02
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 03
big hand
Synonym of minute hand (on a clock face).
- 04
bite someone's hand off
To enthusiastically accept an offer.
- 05
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).
- 06
cap in hand
In a humble and respectful manner.
- 07
catch a wave
To derive benefit from a fortunate opportunity; to experience a sudden increase in energy or luck.
- 08
cold hand
Used in reference to a player who fails to make successful shots in a game.
Last updated August 10, 2026