English Reference

Word

hands

US/ˈhændz/

UK/hˈændz/

Definitions

01body parts

A1 · Beginner Plural noun

n. the two parts of your body at the end of your arms that you use for holding things.

n. the plural form of the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified for grasping.

“You should wash your hands with soap before you eat.”

“The surgeon scrubbed her hands thoroughly, adhering to a strict protocol designed to eliminate any risk of bacterial contamination before the operation.”

Pitfall

I washed my hand before dinner.

I washed my hands before dinner.

Since people usually wash both, use the plural 'hands' for general hygiene.

Synonyms

palmsfists

Antonyms

feet

02clock parts

A2 · Elementary Plural noun

n. the long, thin parts on a clock or watch that point to the numbers.

n. the pointers on an analogue clock face that indicate the hour, minute, or second.

“Both hands of the clock pointed to twelve at midnight.”

“The antique grandfather clock featured ornate gold hands that moved with silent, mechanical precision against the mahogany face.”

Synonyms

pointersindicators

Idioms

01. catch hands

02. change hands

03. clap one's hands red

04. clean hands

05. dishpan hands

06. extra pair of hands

07. fall into the wrong hands

08. find one's ass with both hands and a flashlight

09. get into the wrong hands

10. get one's hands dirty

Show all 29

11. hands down

12. hands up

13. have blood on one's hands

14. have one's hands full

15. have one's hands tied

16. have time on one's hands

17. join hands

18. lay hands on

19. putty in someone's hands

20. rub one's hands together

21. sit on one's hands

22. take matters into one's own hands

23. take one's courage in both hands

24. take the law into one's own hands

25. throw up one's hands

26. tie someone's hands

27. trade hands

28. two left hands

29. work with one's hands

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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