hands off
The phrase "hands off" can denote non-interference, delegation, or an instruction not to touch something.
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Definition
B1General
(informal, exclamation)An instruction to not touch or interfere with something.
Example
- Hands off my phone!
- The sign clearly said 'hands off the exhibits'.
B2Management
(business)A style where a manager allows employees to work independently without much supervision.
Example
- He prefers a hands-off approach to managing his team.
- Her hands-off style encourages creativity and initiative among employees.
B2Policy
(political, strategic)An approach where there is minimal intervention or involvement.
Example
- The government adopted a hands-off policy regarding the economic crisis.
- A hands-off foreign policy can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hands off":
hand offback offfree handstand offbare handsit on one's handshand overlook offhands uphold offstand backdead handlay a finger onout of handswitch offdo offwire offkeep at arm's lengthleave offstand asideturn offstay out