Business English and English Small Phrases Using ”Hand” (these are expressions you need to know but didn’t learn in school) - EP. 3

Episode Summary

The word "hand" is used in many common Business English phrases. These English phrases are part of the building blocks of English vocabulary building you need to participate in meetings, presentations and small talk. English has almost 500,000 words, but only 20,000 words and phrases are commonly used. See the episode phrases and examples below.

Just for fun, this episode has a silly country & western style songs I wrote and sang using hand phrases.

Episode Contents

Here is a list of the phrases using "hand" with sample sentences to help you understand the phrase.

 

1. Living hand to mouth

Definition: To survive with very little money, spending everything as soon as it is earned.

Examples:

After losing his job, he was living hand to mouth for months.

1. Many families in the countryside live hand to mouth, relying on small incomes from farming.
2. She’s been living hand to mouth, barely able to pay the rent each month.

 

2. Hand it off to someone

Definition: To pass a responsibility or task to another person.

Examples:

After completing the first part of the project, I handed it off to John to finish the report.

1. The quarterback handed it off to the running back during the final play.
2. You can hand it off to Sarah if you’re too busy to finish it.

 

3. Give you the hand off

Definition: To quickly pass on a task or responsibility, often without much explanation.

Examples:

1. Don’t give me the hand off without proper instructions.
2. He gave her the hand off for the client presentation just minutes before the meeting.
3. I don’t want a quick hand off; I need more guidance.

 

4. I’ve got to hand it to you

Definition: To acknowledge someone's accomplishment or success.

Examples:

I’ve got to hand it to you, your presentation was amazing!

1. I’ve got to hand it to him; he managed to finish the project on time despite all the setbacks.
2. Well done on the new proposal – I’ve got to hand it to you, that’s impressive work!

 

5. Come in handy

Definition: To be useful in a particular situation.

Examples:

This pocketknife will come in handy when we go camping.

1. The extra money I saved came in handy when my car broke down.
2. That flashlight came in handy during the power outage last night.

 

6. Hand over the presentation

Definition: To pass control of or responsibility for a presentation to another person.

Examples:

After introducing the topic, I’ll hand over the presentation to Michael.

1. Once the statistics are covered, I’ll hand over the presentation to the finance team.
2. She handed over the presentation with confidence to her colleague.

 

7. Hand over the meeting to

Definition: To transfer the leadership or control of a meeting to someone else.

Examples:

After I finish the introduction, I’ll hand over the meeting to you.

1. Can you hand over the meeting to me when you’re done with your section?
2. She handed over the meeting to her manager after presenting the latest data.

 

8. To have the upper hand

Definition: To have control or an advantage over someone.

Examples:

He had the upper hand in negotiations because he had more information.

1. The team that wins the first round will have the upper hand in the competition.
2. She always seems to have the upper hand in every argument.

 

9. Give him a hand

Definition: To help or assist someone.

Examples:

Could you give him a hand with carrying those boxes?

1. We all gave her a hand when she was struggling with the project.
2. He gave me a hand in setting up the equipment for the event.

 

10. Give me a hand

Definition: To ask for assistance or help with something.

Examples:

Can you give me a hand moving this furniture?

1. I need someone to give me a hand with these reports before the deadline.
2. Could you give me a hand fixing this issue?

 

11. Hand it over

Definition: To give something to someone, often reluctantly or when asked.

Examples:

The thief was caught and forced to hand over the stolen goods.

1. Can you hand it over to me once you’re finished with it?
2. After a long negotiation, he finally handed over the keys to the car.

 

12. Hat in hand

Definition: To ask for something humbly, often with embarrassment.

Examples:

He went to his boss hat in hand, asking for a raise.

1. After the mistake, she had to go to the client hat in hand to apologize.
2. He approached his parents hat in hand, asking for financial help.

 

13. Stick out your hand

Definition: To extend your hand to greet someone or offer something.

Examples:

When I arrived at the meeting, I stuck out my hand to introduce myself.

1. He stuck out his hand to congratulate her on the promotion.
2. After the argument, she stuck out her hand to make peace.

 

14. Shake hands and make up

Definition: To reconcile and stop a quarrel.

Examples:

After a long disagreement, they finally shook hands and made up.

1. Let’s just shake hands and make up; this fight isn’t worth it.
2. They had a heated argument, but in the end, they shook hands and made up.

 

15. Will handle the handover

Definition: To manage the transfer of duties or responsibilities from one person to another.

Examples:

Our new manager will handle the handover next week.

1. I’m confident she’ll handle the handover smoothly once she takes over the role.
2. He will handle the handover of all the documents after his resignation.

 

16. Hand off the ball (to someone)

Definition: In sports, to give the ball to another player, usually by passing or handing it.

Examples:

The quarterback handed off the ball to the running back.

1. During the final play, he handed off the ball to his teammate.
2. She quickly handed off the ball, and they scored a goal.

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