Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Definition of hand verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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hand

verb
hand pronunciation English hænd hand pronunciation American hænd
 
to pass or give something to somebodyhand something to somebody She handed the letter to me.hand somebody something She handed me the letter.
Idioms

hand something to somebody on a plate

(informal) to give something to somebody without the person concerned making any effortNobody's going to hand you success on a plate.

have (got) to hand it to somebody

(informal) used to say that somebody deserves praise for somethingYou've got to hand it to her—she's a great cook.
Phrasal verbs

hand something around/round

to offer or pass something, especially food or drinks, to all the people in a group

hand something back (to somebody)

to give or return something to the person who owns it or to where it belongsShe picked up the wallet and handed it back to him.Control of the territory was handed back to China.

hand something down (to somebody)

1 [usually passive] to give or leave something to somebody who is younger than you
Synonym
pass downThese skills used to be handed down from father to son.Most of his clothes were handed down to him by his older brother. related noun hand-me-down2 to officially give a decision/statement, etc.
Synonym
announceThe judge has handed down his verdict.

hand something in (to somebody)

(British English also give something in (to somebody)) to give something to a person in authority, especially a piece of work or something that is lostYou must all hand in your projects by the end of next week.I handed the watch in to the police.to hand in your notice/resignation (= formally tell your employer that you want to stop working for them)

hand somebody off

(British English) (also straight-arm, stiff-arm both North American English) (in sport) to push away a player who is trying to stop you, with your arm straight

hand something on (to somebody)

to give or leave something for another person to use or deal with
Synonym
pass on

hand something out (to somebody)

1 to give a number of things to the members of a group
Synonym
distributeCould you hand these books out, please?She handed out medals and certificates to the winners. related noun handout2 (informal) to give advice, a punishment, etcHe's always handing out advice to people.

hand over (to somebody)

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hand something over (to somebody)

to give somebody else your position of power or the responsibility for somethingShe resigned and handed over to one of her younger colleagues.He finally handed over his responsibility for the company last year. related noun handover

hand somebody over to somebody

to let somebody listen or speak to another person, especially on the telephone or in a news broadcastI'll hand you over to my boss.

hand somebody/something over (to somebody)

to give something/somebody officially or formally to another personHe handed over a cheque for $200000.They handed the weapons over to the police. related noun handover