What does “Out of hand” mean?
"Out of hand" means that a situation or behavior has become out of control or unmanageable.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The situation quickly got out of hand and chaos ensued.
Example
The party got out of hand when people started breaking things.
Example
The protest turned out of hand when violence erupted
Is “Out of hand” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of hand” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Out of hand” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of Hand" to describe a situation that has become uncontrollable or unmanageable. It implies that things have escalated beyond what was initially expected or intended. For example, if a small argument between friends turns into a physical fight, you could say, 'The situation quickly got out of hand and chaos ensued.'
- 1Party
The party got out of hand when people started breaking things.
- 2Protest
The protest turned out of hand when violence erupted.
- 3Workplace
The disagreement between colleagues escalated and the situation got out of hand.
Similar phrases to “Out of hand”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of hand” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of Hand" is unknown.
Is “Out of hand” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of Hand" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations that have become chaotic or unmanageable.
What tone does “Out of hand” have?
"Out of Hand" conveys a tone of surprise or concern. It suggests that the situation has escalated beyond what was expected or intended, and may require immediate attention or intervention.
Can “Out of hand” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of Hand" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a situation that has become unmanageable. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The situation quickly got out of hand and chaos ensued.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Things are getting "out of hand"!' to express concern about a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- unmanageable
- chaotic
- escalated
- rapidly worsening
Antonyms
- manageable
- contained
- calm
- under control
