hand out

Related to hand out: hang out

hand out

1. verb To distribute something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hand" and "out." Volunteers will come around and hand out pamphlets before the lecture.
2. verb To provide or share something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "hand" and "out." When do you think the boss will hand out a decision on this issue?
3. noun A paper or papers that are to be distributed to a group. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated. Volunteers will come around with hand-outs before the lecture begins.
4. noun Something given as aid to a person in need. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated. Ever since I lost my job, I've had to rely on hand-outs from the government.
See also: hand, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hand something out

 (to someone)
1. to give something out to someone. The judge was known for handing heavy fines out. She handed out large fines to everyone.
2. to pass something, usually papers, out to people. The teacher handed the tests out to the students. Please hand out these papers.
See also: hand, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

hand out

Distribute, as in The teacher handed out the test papers. [Late 1800s] For a synonym, see pass out, def. 1.
See also: hand, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hand out

v.
1. To distribute something freely; disseminate something: He handed out flyers in the street all morning. I gave the flyers to the volunteer and told her to hand them out quickly.
2. To administer or mete something: It seemed like the jury handed out an arbitrary verdict. The judge is known for handing tough sentences out to juvenile offenders.
See also: hand, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

handout

1. n. a gift of money, food, or other goods to a needy person. (Often in the negative, as in the examples.) Give him a handout and send him on his way.
2. n. an informational sheet of paper “handed out” to people. As you can see on your handout, 40 percent of those who started never finished.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • handout
  • hand in
  • hand off to (someone)
  • hand on
  • hand up
  • hand up (to someone)
  • hands up
  • hand off
  • hands off
  • hand down