on someone’s hands: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "on someone's hands" is commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone has responsibility or control over something or someone. It is often used in a negative context to imply that the person is burdened or overwhelmed by the task or obligation at hand.

One possible origin of this idiom is the literal sense of having something physically on one's hands. This usage dates back to at least the 16th century, and it could refer to having something tangible or tangible residue on one's hands that needs to be dealt with or cleaned up. Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a metaphorical sense of having a figurative burden or responsibility on one's hands.

Another possible origin of the idiom comes from the image of someone having blood on their hands. This association with guilt or responsibility could have led to the more general use of the idiom to describe any burdensome situation or task.

The idiom is commonly used in various contexts, such as parenting or having blood on one's hands. It can be used to emphasize the weight of the responsibility or the challenging nature of the task.

Although the idiom is often used in a negative sense, it is worth noting that having something "on one's hands" is not always negative. In some cases, it can imply a sense of ownership, control, or accomplishment. For example, someone might proudly say, "I have a successful business on my hands." This positive usage highlights the idea of having something valuable or important in one's possession.

Overall, the idiom "on someone's hands" conveys the idea of responsibility, control, or burden. Whether positive or negative, having something "on one's hands" implies a sense of duty and the need to take action.

Another related idiom is "to have blood on one's hands". This idiom is used in a more literal sense, and it means to be responsible for someone's death or harm. It is often used to describe someone who has committed a violent act or caused harm to others. The phrase is meant to evoke a sense of guilt or moral responsibility for the consequences of one's actions.

An example sentence using this idiom in a sentence naturally could be: "The dictator had blood on his hands after ordering the massacre of innocent civilians."

Another related idiom is "to have a hand in". This idiom is used to describe someone's involvement or participation in a particular task or activity. It implies that the person has influence or control over the outcome. The phrase is often used in a negative context to suggest manipulation or interference.

An example sentence using this idiom in a sentence naturally could be: "The corrupt politician had a hand in the shady business deal."