hand-to-hand

[hand-tuh-hand]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

close to one's adversary; at close quarters.
hand-to-hand combat.

hand-to-hand

adjective

at close quarters
they fought hand-to-hand

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hand-to-hand¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

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Idioms and Phrases

In close combat; also, at close quarters. For example, If the enemy came any closer they would soon be fighting hand to hand . This expression, dating from about 1400, is usually restricted to military contexts but occasionally sees more general use.

from hand to hand . From one person to another; through a succession of persons. For example, The instructions were passed from hand to hand until everyone had seen them , or Over the generations the family albums went from hand to hand . [Mid-1500s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Denali, exiled from the Comanche tribe, becomes a personal assassin to the tycoon, and is seen firing arrows and in hand-to-hand combat.

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As well as a turn on the shooting range, this Saturday morning programme, called "Train with the Army", also teaches civilians hand-to-hand combat, first aid and how to put on a gas mask.

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Leading up to that scene, Ellie strives to establish her own hero identity by training in hand-to-hand combat with men twice her size and sharpening her sniping skills with a long gun.

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He offered his comrades free lessons in hand-to-hand combat and bonded with them in the backcountry hunting jackrabbits.

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When things aren’t exploding in choreographed hand-to-hand combat or noisy firefights, there is much discussion of feelings and relationships, to the extent that double lives allow.

From

hand tight hand-to-mouth

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