hold someone's hand

hold (one's) hand

1. Literally, to grasp one's hand and continue holding it, typically while walking together or sitting next to each other, often as a show of affection. I think it's so sweet how Jenny holds Tim's hand when they walk into school.
2. To comfort or support one when they are frightened, anxious, or distressed. I know you're worried about giving your speech, but I'll be there to hold your hand.
3. To carefully guide one through something; to make something very easy for one. Thank you, but I can figure these problems out myself without you holding my hand. The video game is brutally difficult, and it doesn't hold the player's hand at any point.
See also: hand, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold someone's hand

If you hold someone's hand in an unfamiliar or difficult situation, you help and support them. Tony will hold your hand through the sale, deal with offers and advise on particulars. I'll support him up to a point but I can't hold his hand forever. Note: People sometimes use the expression hand-holding to refer to the act of helping and supporting someone. If you expect lots of hand-holding because you're just starting out as an investor, you're probably better off paying a flat fee.
See also: hand, hold
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

hold someone's hand

give a person comfort, guidance, or moral support in a sad or difficult situation.
See also: hand, hold
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hold (one's) hand
  • hold hand
  • within grasp
  • win (one) over
  • win over
  • give (one's) love to (someone)
  • give/send my love to somebody
  • send (one's) love to (someone)
  • piss in (one's) pocket
  • piss in someone's pocket
References in periodicals archive
I don't know but I think everytime I am photographed, I feel shy and my basic instinct is to hold someone's hand and hence I am always pictured holding my younger sister Khushi's hand.
Dhadak has a special place in our hearts, say Ishaan & Janhvi
We'll hold someone's hand from start to finish, but we wanted to make sure that anyone could come in and understand how to use our systems.
Redesign makes website more user friendly
I wanted to hold someone's hand, but my hands were so puffy and sore, I couldn't bear to be touched.
My baby was so even planned his frail I funeral; Mylo Caddick defied the odds when he was born 13 weeks early, weighing just 2.2lbs. His mum, Jade Jarvis, 30 and from Stechford, tells ZOE CHAMBERLAIN how seeing her miracle baby, who is now a healthy 17 month-old toddler, fight for his life has changed her outlook
"Here you come down with this set of skills and this fantasy of what you're going to do, and in the end, the greatest thing that you do is literally hold someone's hand, give them some pain medication," Dr.
Easing the pain; Doctor's priorities shift from medical to holding a hand
When you sit and hold someone's hand as they tell you their story about how they survived and 40 members of their family were wiped out, it's so shocking and yet they talk about moving forward and forgiveness.
I was in tears every day but Rwanda stole my heart; BIG-HEARTED MUM-OF-TWO STARTS FUNDRAISING BID AFTER HARROWING VISIT TO AFRICA
Often our touch is obvious--when you hold someone's hand and words are not needed, the person knows you are there and you care about them.
President's letter
"It's a unique opportunity to hold someone's hand when they're scared and want to share details of their life, to listen and calmly reassure them.
National celebration; NHS AT 60 NURSES PAST AND PRESENT TELL WHY THEY ARE SO PROUD OF OUR HEALTH SERVICE
"The main message to give children up to six or seven is to always hold someone's hand when crossing the road and never go out on their own," says Peter.
Educate kids on road danger
I will never hold someone's hand the same old, ignorant way again.--Rajiv
Portraits of the living with the dead: a photographer documents the transition from medical student to physician. (Medical Reporting)
Perhaps if you feel uncomfortable giving or asking for a hug, you could hold someone's hand or touch them lightly on their arm.
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