hand up (to someone)
hand up (to someone)
To hand something to someone who is physically above oneself. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hand" and "up." I stopped halfway up the steps and asked Max to hand up the stack of files I'd forgotten. Once I get on the ladder, you'll have to hand the tools up, OK?
See also: hand, up
hands up
1. A command to surrender. Usually said by someone with a gun during a robbery or arrest. Hands up, Johnson! I've got you in my sights, and I'm not afraid to put you down if you won't come into custody quietly. Hands up—this is a stick-up!
2. A signal that one agrees, intends to participate, or wants what someone is offering. OK everyone, hands up if you think we should move forward with this policy. Everyone who wants to come, hands up now.
See also: hand, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hand something up (to someone)
to pass something to someone who is on a higher level. Please hand this cup of coffee up to Carl. Please hand up this coffee to Carl.
See also: hand, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
hands up
A direction or order to hold one's hands high, as in Hands up or I'll shoot! This imperative is used by police officers and criminals so that they can see if someone is holding a weapon. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: hand, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- hand up
- hands up
- hands down
- hand down
- hand on
- hand in
- hand off to (someone)
- hand out
- handout
- hand back to (someone)