wring your hands
Meaning
To show strong worry, anxiety, or distress (often by repeatedly twisting your hands), sometimes implying unhelpful fretting.
Origin
From the literal action of twisting or squeezing the hands as a physical sign of anguish; attested in English for centuries and reinforced by its frequent depiction in literature and drama.
Notes
Often describes visible anxiety. It can imply pointless worrying instead of taking action (“stop wringing your hands and do something”).
Examples
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There’s no point in wringing your hands now; we need a plan for what to do next.
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She sat by the window wringing her hands, waiting for the hospital to call.
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The mayor was criticized for wringing his hands instead of taking decisive action.
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Stop wringing your hands and tell me what happened.
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Investors are wringing their hands over the uncertainty in the market.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “wring your hands,” “be wringing his hands,” “stop wringing your hands.” Commonly with possessive (my/your/his). Figurative meaning is standard even without literal hand motion.
Synonyms
- fret
- worry
- agonize
- hand-wring
Antonyms
- keep your cool
- stay calm
- take action