get into the wrong hands: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get into the wrong hands’ mean?
The idiom "get into the wrong hands" means that something has fallen into the possession or control of someone who will misuse or mishandle it in some way.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" means being in a situation where something bad happens due to unfortunate timing or circumstances.
The idiom "in someone's pocket" means to be under someone's control or influence.
The idiom "in safe hands" means that someone or something is being taken care of or protected by a trustworthy and capable individual or group.
The idiom "have one's hand in the till" means to be illegally involved in stealing money from one's own workplace or organization.
The idiom "have a hand in" means to be involved or to play a part in something.
The idiom "hand over" means to give or transfer something to someone else, usually with the implication of authority or control. It can also indicate the act of surrendering or yielding to someone or something.
The idiom "hand off" means to pass or transfer the responsibility or control of something to someone else.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
Innocence Corrupted
The idiom "get into the wrong hands" is an expression that conveys the potential danger or negative consequences that can arise when something falls into the possession or control of someone who is not suitable or trustworthy. When an object, information, or situation falls into the wrong hands, it indicates a shift from a desired or appropriate state to a problematic or undesirable one.
This idiom can be traced back to the literal meaning of the word "hands" as a metaphor for power, control, or influence. In various contexts, hands symbolize the ability to handle or manage something effectively and responsibly. When an item or knowledge gets into the wrong hands, it implies that it has fallen into the possession of individuals who are ill-equipped or unqualified to manage it properly.
The phrase is commonly used in discussions related to security, safety, and trust. For example, it is often used to describe situations where confidential information, sensitive documents, or valuable resources end up in the possession of individuals who may exploit or misuse them. This could include instances such as classified documents being leaked to unauthorized individuals or medication being obtained by individuals with harmful intentions.
The idiom "get into the wrong hands" reflects our inherent understanding of the potential consequences that can arise when trust is misplaced or when individuals with ulterior motives gain control over something valuable or important. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the need for vigilance and responsible handling of sensitive matters to prevent unfavorable outcomes.
The related idiom "fall into the wrong hands" expands on this idea further. When something falls into the wrong hands, it emphasizes the unexpected or accidental nature of the transfer of possession. It suggests that the object or information was not intentionally given to the untrustworthy party but rather ended up in their possession due to unforeseen circumstances. This idiom underscores the importance of safeguarding sensitive materials and exercising caution to avoid unintentional consequences.
In everyday language, the idiom "get into the wrong hands" is used to underscore the importance of making informed decisions and taking appropriate precautions to prevent undesirable consequences. It highlights the significance of considering the potential risks and implications before entrusting something valuable or confidential to someone else. By using this idiom, speakers emphasize the need to exercise caution and ensure that the right people are entrusted with important responsibilities.
The related idiom "get into trouble" further emphasizes the negative implications when an item, information, or situation falls into the wrong hands. "Get into trouble" can be interpreted as the potential consequences or harm that may arise as a result of the item or information being misused or mishandled. It suggests that the individual or party in possession of the item or information may face negative outcomes or punishment for their actions. This idiom serves as a warning of the potential risks and consequences that can arise when trust is misplaced.
To summarize, the idiom "get into the wrong hands" conveys the idea that negative outcomes may occur when something falls into the possession or control of individuals who are not suitable or trustworthy. This expression serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting the right individuals and taking appropriate precautions to prevent undesirable consequences. While it may be a common turn of phrase in discussions related to security and trust, it continues to hold relevance in our daily lives as a reminder to exercise caution and responsibility in our actions.
Example usage
Examples:
1. The confidential documents shouldn't be shared as they could easily get into the wrong hands.
2. We need to secure our financial information to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands.
3. The company's trade secrets must be protected and not allowed to get into the wrong hands.
More "Security" idioms
