a show of hands
a show of hands
A visual representation of interest indicated by people raising their hands. Class, we'll decide what to do at recess by a show of hands. Who wants to play tag?
See also: hand, of, show
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
show of hands
a display of raised hands [in a group of people] that can be counted for the purpose of votes or surveys. We were asked to vote for the candidates for captain by a show of hands. Jack wanted us to vote on paper, not by a show of hands, so that we could have a secret ballot.
See also: hand, of, show
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
show of hands
An informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice, as in Let's have a show of hands-how many want the next meeting on a Sunday? [Late 1700s]
See also: hand, of, show
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a show of hands
COMMON If a question is decided by a show of hands, people vote on it by raising their hands to indicate whether they vote yes or no. Parliamentary leaders agreed to take all such decisions by a show of hands. Russell then asked for a show of hands concerning each of the targets.
See also: hand, of, show
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
show of hands
the raising of hands among a group of people to indicate a vote for or against something, with numbers typically being estimated rather than counted.See also: hand, of, show
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
a show of ˈhands
a method of voting in which each person shows their opinion by raising their hand: If you like, we can settle this debate with a show of hands.See also: hand, of, show
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- show of hands
- put (one's) hands up
- out of (one's) hands
- out of hands
- out of somebody's hands
- out of your hands
- wash (one's) hands
- wash your hands
- at the
- have (one's) hands on (something)