give someone a hand
Meaning
To help someone, or to applaud them (give them a round of applause).
Origin
From the literal act of lending a “hand” (manual help). By the 18th–19th centuries, “give a hand” also developed the sense of “give applause,” i.e., hands clapping.
Notes
Has two common senses: help or applaud. Context decides; as a shout (“Give her a hand!”) it almost always means applause.
Examples
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Can you give me a hand carrying these boxes up the stairs?
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Everyone gave the new waiter a hand when he dropped a tray on his first day.
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I’m happy to give you a hand with the presentation if you want another set of eyes.
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The neighbors gave us a hand after the storm and helped clear the fallen branches.
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Let’s give the band a hand—they were fantastic tonight.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually: “give (someone) a hand (with + noun/-ing).” Pronoun can go in the middle (“give me a hand”). For applause often imperative/exclamation: “Give her a hand!”
Synonyms
- help someone out
- lend a hand
- give someone a hand (applause)
- give a round of applause
Antonyms
- refuse to help
- leave someone to it
- boo