H
Idioms beginning with "H"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of H:
[handsome is as handsome does] {informal}
A person must act well and generously so that he will be truly worth respecting. — A proverb.
Everyone thinks that Bon is a very handsome boy, but he is very mean too. Handsome is as handsome does.
[…]
[hands up] {informal}
Hold up your hands! Put your hands up high and keep them there! — Used as a command.
The sheriff pointed his gun at the outlaws and called out, "Hands up!"
Syn.: [REACH FOR THE SKY].
[hand something to someone on a silver platter] {v. phr.}
To give a person a reward that has not been earned.
The lazy student expected his diploma to be handed to him on a silver platter.
[hand to hand] {adv. phr.}
Close together, near enough to hit each other.
The two soldiers fought hand to hand until one fell badly wounded.
In modern naval warfare, men seldom fight hand to hand.
Compare: [FACE TO FACE].
[hand-to-hand] {adj.}
Close to each other; near enough to hit each other.
The result of the battle was decided in hand-to-hand combat.
When the police tried to break up the riot, there was hand-to-hand fighting with fists, stones, and clubs.
[…]
[hand-to-mouth] {adj.}
Not providing for the future; living from day to day; not saving for later.
Many native tribes lead a hand-to-mouth existence, content to have food for one day at a time.
* /John is not a saving boy; he spends his money […]
[handwriting on the wall] {n. phr.}
A sign that something bad will happen.
When Bill's team lost four games in a row, he saw the handwriting on the wall.
* /John's employer had less and less work for him; John could read the handwriting on the […]
[hang]
See:
[GO HANG],
[GIVE A HANG] or [CARE A HANG],
[GIVE ONE ENOUGH ROPE],
[AND HE WILL HANG HIMSELF],
[LEAVE HANGING] or [LEAVE HANGING IN THE AIR].
[hang around] {v.}, {informal}
1. To pass time or stay near without any real purpose or aim; loaf near or in.
The principal warned the students not to hang around the corner drugstore after school.
Compare: [HANG OUT] (1).
2. To spend time or […]
[hang back] or [hang off] or [hang behind] {v. phr.}
1. To stay some distance behind or away, be unwilling to move forward.
Mary offered the little girl candy, but she was shy and hung back.
2. To hesitate or be unwilling to do something.
* /Lou […]