fall into the wrong 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.
See also:
  • 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
References in periodicals archive
"Whilst those guns are on the streets of the West Midlands there is always the potential they could fall into the wrong hands. Every gun handed in is potentially a life saved.
Deadly revolvers, military grenades and stun guns taken off our streets; HAUL OF LETHAL WEAPONS HANDED IN
"The patches, which can be used as strong painkillers to reduce severe long-lasting pain, could have serious consequences should they fall into the wrong hands.
Police warn of danger of painkiller patches; IN BRIEF
"While those guns are on the streets of the West Midlands there is always the potential they could fall into the wrong hands. Every gun handed in is potentially a life saved.
Stun guns and smoke grenade handed over
Supt Inglis said: "The aim of the campaign was to get weapons that could fall into the wrong hands.
200 guns surrendered in two-week amnesty
"Whilst we have already taken steps to restrict the sale of knives to ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands, we felt there was more we could be doing to support those looking at how to bring this issue under control," he added.
Asda halting single kitchen knife sales
We were able to avert the possibility that those firearms will fall into the wrong hands,' Capt.
3 nabbed for guns, ammo at Cebu port
Simon has been exchanging e-mails with an anonymous classmate who only goes by the name 'Blue.' But when Simon's e-mails fall into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being exposed.
Coming-of-age novel now a movie
In Washington, the Pentagon said,"We carefully track those weapons that are provided to them, we ensure that they, to the maximum extent possible, don't fall into the wrong hands and we're continuing discussions with the Turks on this issue," Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, joint staff director, told reporters.
Stop supporting YPG or face confrontation: Turkey to US
Jim Conning, of Royal Mail, said: "With 8.2 million households across the UK currently being rented, the opportunity for information to fall into the wrong hands is huge.
Tenants risk ID fraud by failing to redirect mail
"We will be trying to see if we can identify who had them and are fortunate they did not fall into the wrong hands."
Ecstasy linked to death of teen found
WASHINGTON -- Pakistan attaches great importance to strengthening global nuclear security and fully shares global concern that nuclear materials and facilities must never fall into the wrong hands, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs said.
Pakistan attaches great importance to nuclear security: Fatemi
AMIDLAND businessman who sent equipment used in radar jamming and missile guidance to China did not care about the consequences should his sensitive cargo fall into the wrong hands, Customs officers claimed.
Man sold missile parts to Chinese despite embargo
If the claims are true, I presume that after the idiocy of not only writing the note about Blair but allowing it to fall into the wrong hands, she's using the same technique to slap herself stupid.
All's Blair in love and war; Jackie Bird BEHIND THE HEADLINES
"'I'm worried about my marbles, because I'm scared they might fall into the wrong hands,'" Kupers said Anne told her.
Anne Frank's Childhood Marbles Recovered, On Display in the Netherlands
The group's members fear a Government decision to sell off Fenton Town Hall, until recently a working magistrates' court, could allow the war memorial to "fall into the wrong hands", risking its future.
Memorial petitition at No 10