lend a hand
Meaning
To help someone; to give assistance, often with a task.
Origin
From the literal idea of offering your hand to assist with physical work; recorded in English for centuries as a metaphor for giving help.
Notes
Common, friendly way to ask for or offer help, often practical/physical assistance. Not about lending money; itβs a metaphor.
Examples
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Can you lend a hand carrying these boxes upstairs?
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The neighbors lent a hand after the storm and helped clear the fallen branches.
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If youβre free this afternoon, I could really use you to lend a hand with the report.
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She always lends a hand to new employees when theyβre learning the ropes.
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We all pitched in to lend a hand and get the event set up on time.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: lend (someone) a hand / give (someone) a hand. Article is typically βa.β Can inflect: lent a hand, lending a hand.
Synonyms
- help
- give someone a hand
- assist
- pitch in
- chip in
Antonyms
- hinder
- get in the way
- refuse to help