at the hand(s) of (someone or something)
at the hand(s) of (someone or something)
Due to the actions of. At least her first loss came at the hands of a very formidable opponent.
See also: of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
at the hand of
Also, at the hands of. Performed by or at the agency of, as in The slaves suffered greatly at the hands of their new masters. This idiom was first recorded about 1035. Also see at hand.
See also: hand, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
at the hands of someone
orat someone's hands
COMMON If someone experiences a particular kind of treatment, especially unpleasant treatment, at the hands of a person or organization or at someone's hands, they receive it from them. After their 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Vitesse Arnhem, United may find morale a problem. She spoke of the humiliation she endured at the hands of the police.
See also: hand, of, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
at the hands of somebody
,at somebody’s ˈhands
(written) if you experience something at the hands of somebody, they are the cause of it: So far hundreds of innocent civilians have died at the hands of the terrorists.See also: hand, of, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- on one's
- on someone's
- out of one's
- (I've) got to go
- save someone's skin
- (Have you) been OK?
- other than
- other than (something)
- pillow-biter
- let something drop