Phrase guide

have one's hand out

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To request benefits, especially monetary ones and especially if not entitled to them.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Whenever there was an appropriations bill, he always had his hand out for his guys.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

An allusion to the beseeching manner and typical gesture of a beggar.