put one's hands on
The phrase "put one's hands on" is versatile and can imply physical touch, acquisition, control, or interference, depending on the context.
Definition
B1General
(common)To physically touch or grasp something.
Example
- She finally put her hands on the book she had been looking for.
- He put his hands on the table to steady himself.
B2General
(common)To obtain or acquire something, often with effort.
Example
- I need to put my hands on that report before the meeting.
- He managed to put his hands on some rare stamps.
C1Interpersonal
(informal)To physically assault or attack someone.
Example
- He got angry and put his hands on his opponent.
- She warned him not to put his hands on her again.
C1Interpersonal
(informal)To interfere with or meddle in someone's affairs.
Example
- Don't let him put his hands on your project.
- She hates it when people put their hands on her work.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "put one's hands on":
lay hands onget one's hands onget hold ofon someone's handslay a finger onlay a glove onlay hold ofget one's arms aroundhave a handle oncome to handput one's hands upput one's hand uprun handshave one's name ontouch onhand it tohold someone's handtake holdget to grips withget on tothrow handsget a gripwith one handin handsit on one's handsget onat handput one overhave onraise one's handget the drop onextend one's handcome to grips