second hand

secondhand

1. adverb Indirectly, as opposed to from the original source. But I heard secondhand, so who knows if that information is actually true.
2. adjective Describing information that has been learned indirectly, as opposed to from the original source. I can't trust this secondhand gossip! Who was in the meeting and can tell us what really happened?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

second hand

from another person or source, not directly from personal experience or observation. I wasn't present at the meeting. I heard about it at second hand. Frank tells stories about the Gulf War, but he got them second hand. He wasn't actually in the desert with the troops.
See also: hand, second
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • second, third, etc. hand
  • thirdhand
  • catty
  • catty-corner
  • in vain
  • mad
  • (as) fast as greased lightning
  • faster than greased lightning
  • bulletproof
  • (as) quick as greased lightning
References in periodicals archive
It's great to see perceptions of second hand goods are being viewed more positively.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Your views LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
In central Israel, the average price of a second hand three-room apartment stood at less than NIS 900,000 ($252,000).
New apartment prices up 6% in Q1
No future EA games will use Online Pass, and no current games will require gamers to purchase a code if they buy games second hand.
EA Shuts Down Controversial Online Pass System
* It was a first/ second hand car: I'd go in for a first hand car.
Readers on wheels: Swiss News does a brief survey to find out the driving preferences of a cross-section of our readers
On 30 May 2018, the Bulgarian government started procedures to change its Waste Management law, including the introduction of a fee for all second hand clothes put on the local market, potentially under Extended Producer Responsibility.
Bulgarian Textile Recyclers Comment on Eco-tax
Tania Anum, a buyer said that the sale of second hand clothes 'Lunda' are out of reach of poor due to their exorbitant rates .
Prices of warming clothes surge
The bazaar, featuring second hand clothes for women and men, is being held in support of the Sophia Foundation for children as part of the profits from the event will be donated to the foundation.
A vintage look for Christmas
MANY of us are buying second hand goods as we look to save money in these challenging times.
'Buyer beware' over used goods; YourRights
We live in a society where people have free will to make their own choices - but we must do all we can to protect youngsters from the damaging effects of second hand smoke.
If parents keep smoking in cars with children, we may have to resort to a law; Western Mail
However, analysis from car valuation expert, Glass's Guide, reveals that unless you drive more than 10,000 miles a year, you are unlikely to save any money by opting for a second hand diesel.
Drive talking; Buying a diesel car may not be the wisest move
Washington, Dec 6 (ANI): Women exposed to second hand smoke, either as children or as adults, are 68 percent more likely to face fertility problems and can also suffer miscarriage, according to a new study.
Passive smoking can leave women infertile
The Second Hand Band will give people the chance to try out the instrument of their dreams in Swanswell Park, Hillfields, on Sunday August 31 from 2.30pm-4pm.
Chance to join the band
Rylands, Peters & Small If you think second hand means second choice or if you've tried putting a look together from charity shops but found that it all ended up looking wrong, then this is the book to make you think again.
THIS WEEK'S STYLE BIBLE
In the first of a series of studies, AA Financial Services asked a sample of 2,000 motorists if they plan to replace their vehicle in the next 12 months and whether they will be buying new or second hand.
Women driving the motor market