give someone a hand

/ɡɪv ˈsʌm.wʌn ə ˈhænd/

help someone

Can you give me a hand with this heavy box?

Asking for help to carry something heavy

◆ What It Really Means

To provide assistance or support to someone

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically hold someone's hand

Literal Breakdown

giveto provide+someonea person+a handthe physical hand

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of physically holding someone's hand to help them, which metaphorically extends to any form of assistance.

◈ When to Use

A friend asks you to 'give them a hand' with moving furniture, meaning they need your help to carry the heavy items.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the cultural value of mutual support and community assistance in English-speaking societies.

informal

To help someone with a task or problem

After the storm, neighbors gave each other a hand cleaning up the debris.

People helped each other after a natural disaster

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations to offer or request assistance.

Collocations

give a handhelp someonelend a handsimilar to 'give a hand'

Synonyms

help someone assist someone lend a hand

Antonyms

ignore someone refuse to help

Related Phrases

lend a handphrase

to help someone

give someone a hand upphrase

to help someone improve their situation

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this phrase when offering or asking for help in casual settings.

Gold Rule

Politeness

This phrase is polite and friendly, making it suitable for requests or offers of help.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal act of physically helping someone by holding their hand, which has evolved into a metaphorical expression for providing assistance.

Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday language. It can be used to offer help or to request assistance.

Word Breakdown

give

to provide

root

someone

a person

root

a hand

assistance

root

English Dictionary

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