fall into someone's hands
fall into (someone's or something's) hands
To be obtained by someone or something. If a person or group is not stated, there is usually an adjective (sometimes with an article) before "hands" (as in "the wrong hands" or "enemy hands"). If this report falls into the media's hands, you can expect a full-blown scandal. I lost my diary, and if it falls into the wrong hands, I will be completely mortified.
See also: fall, hand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
fall into someone's hands
COMMON If someone or something falls into the hands of a bad person or enemy, that person gets them or is able to control them. There is a real fear that food supplies could fall into the hands of the rebels, thus increasing the misery of ordinary citizens. Their ship had fallen into enemy hands. Note: If something falls into the wrong hands, it is taken or controlled by someone who will cause harm with it. There is always the possibility that weapons may fall into the wrong hands.
See also: fall, hand
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- as (something) as the next man/woman/person
- as as the next man
- as good, well, etc. as the next person
- as the next person
- bulletproof
- muck-raking
- appropriate for
- make a fist of
- make a good/bad/etc. fist of (something)
- welcome to do