back of one's hand

The phrase "back of one's hand" can describe both a physical action and an attitude of disdain.

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Definition

B2Physical Action

(literal, informal)A slap or hit using the rear part of the hand.

Example

  • He threatened to give him the back of his hand if he didn't behave.

C1Attitude

(figurative, formal)A display of disrespect or contempt.

Example

  • She met their criticism with the back of her hand, showing no remorse.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back of one's hand":

back of one's mindon someone's handswhip handbare handrun handson the back ofon one's backback slaptalk to the handhand fruiton someone's backfree handrunning hand