Hand in hand

Meaning

The idiom "hand in hand" is used to describe two or more people walking together, holding hands. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a close partnership or cooperation between people or organizations.

Usage

• The couple walked hand in hand along the beach.
• The children held hands with their parents as they crossed the street.
• The two friends have always been very close and are practically hand in hand when it comes to decisions.
• The company's success is largely due to the collaboration between its CEO and CFO, who work hand in hand to make sure all aspects of the business are running smoothly.
• Despite their differences, the political leaders put aside their personal grievances and worked hand in hand to pass the new legislation.

Roots and History

The idiom "hand in hand" has been used since at least the 16th century. The earliest known use of the phrase can be found in a collection of proverbs from 1598, which includes the following: "Those that walk together are well acquainted with each other and therefore must not be trusted; for they are as much hand in hand as any two serpents." Over time, the idiom has evolved to take on a more positive connotation. Today, it is commonly used to describe close partnerships or cooperation between people or organizations.

Synonyms in English

• Side by side
• In tandem
• Working together
• Partnering
• Collaborating

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "A la mano" (literally, "at the hand")
• French: "Main à main" (literally, "hand to hand")
• Italian: "Mano a mano" (literally, "hand to hand")
• German: "Hand in Hand" (same as English)
• Japanese: "手をつけた" (literally, "to hold hands")

Similar Idioms

• hive of activity

• at daggers drawn

• high roller