hand over fist
Meaning
Very quickly and in large amounts, especially referring to making or losing money rapidly.
Origin
From the literal action of pulling a rope “hand over fist,” moving one hand ahead of the other rapidly (as in sailing or climbing). By the 19th century it was used figuratively for rapid gain or loss, especially money.
Notes
Emphasizes speed and volume. Often modifies money/profits (make/lose money hand over fist). Slightly informal and often hyperbolic.
Examples
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After the new app launched, the company started making money hand over fist.
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Since moving to the city center, her café has been raking in customers hand over fist.
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During the housing boom, investors were buying properties hand over fist.
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Once the video went viral, he was gaining followers hand over fist.
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With fuel prices rising, the oil company was earning profits hand over fist.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial phrase: “make/lose money hand over fist,” “profits are rolling in hand over fist.” Rarely used attributively. Fixed word order; sometimes appears as “hand-over-fist” before a noun, but that’s less common.
Synonyms
- rapidly
- quickly
- in droves
- at a breakneck pace
- like crazy
- making a killing
Antonyms
- slowly
- in small amounts
- by degrees