bare hands, with one's
with (one's) bare hands
Using only one's hands. The term typically means without tools, etc., but can also mean without the machinery that would normally be expected to be used in the task being discussed. We had no shovel so we dug the hole with our bare hands. Can you believe she sanded all that wood with her bare hands, using only sandpaper?
See also: bare, hand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
bare hands, with one's
With one's hands but without tools, weapons, or other implements. For example, Jean assembled the new stove with her bare hands. This phrase, first recorded in 1604, extends the literal meaning, "with uncovered (that is, without gloves) and hence unprotected hands," to "unaided by implements."
See also: bare
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- with (one's) bare hands
- with your bare hands
- within (one's) means
- make do
- from the stretch
- without a second thought
- leave (one) to (one's) own devices
- leave one to own devices
- leave somebody to their own devices
- leave someone to their own devices