fall into (someone's or something'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
fall into the wrong hands
To become acquired by people who were not supposed to have or know about the item in question and who may use it for nefarious purposes. Please keep this report to yourself, I don't want it falling into the wrong hands. If this information falls into the wrong hands, all our undercover agents will be in danger.
See also: fall, hand, wrong
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
fall into the wrong hands
Fig. to become associated with the wrong person; to become the possession of the wrong person, I don't want these plans to fall into the wrong hands. This could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands.
See also: fall, hand, wrong
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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