a vast hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is large, powerful, or encompassing, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The artist depicted a vast hand reaching out from the clouds, symbolizing divine intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Transforming these video stills into a vast, hand-carved one-off can take up to a year.

The Guardian - Arts

"Come here," she says, conspiratorially, in low-pitched Italian, taking me by the arm to inspect the back of a vast hand-painted stage curtain.

The New York Times

Control over the environment is depicted as taking place on a vast scale, hand in hand with the absence of any natural life, with artificial animals substituting for their extinct predecessors.

Wikipedia

For the charismatic thinker, individual life experiences were nothing more than the fingerprints of the vast hand of the unknown, to be dusted for evidence of universal mysteries, not examined for their own squirrelly patterns.

The New York Times - Books

Just outside, a graffiti-covered wall includes a striking illustration of two vast hands clutching a can of spray paint.

BBC

Mizner had a vast first-hand criminal erudition, which he commercialized as a dramatist on Broadway and a screen writer in Hollywood.

The New Yorker

Mizner's exploits and sayings were well known at the time, and Johnston perfectly encapsulates the raconteur's variegated professional repertoire: Mizner had a vast first-hand criminal erudition, which he commercialized as a dramatist on Broadway and a screen writer in Hollywood.

The New Yorker

PANZANO IN CHIANTI, ITALY — Back when the young butcher still wished he were a veterinarian, his improbably vast hands trembled when he cut.

The New York Times

They were also early urban planners, who used astronomical alignments to lay out a low-scale metropolis of 10-20,000 people, featuring a town centre with broad public plazas and key buildings set atop vast, hand-built earthen mounds.

The Guardian

The visuals match the musical bombast: the screen at the back of the stage shows vast hands with strings attached to them, as if the band playing in front of them are puppets being manipulated; inflatable balls, streamers and confetti rain down on the audience, fireworks shoot into the sky.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps these dice are being rolled by a vast, unseen, malevolent hand?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a vast hand", consider the context to ensure the imagery aligns with your intended meaning. It is most effective in descriptive or metaphorical contexts where emphasizing scale or influence is key.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast hand" in literal contexts where describing physical hands is the primary goal. The phrase is generally used to denote influence, control, or a large-scale effect rather than the size of an actual hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast hand" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" modifies the noun "hand". It is often used metaphorically to represent a large-scale influence or control, similar to how Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast hand" is a noun phrase primarily used metaphorically to denote a wide-ranging influence or considerable control. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, fitting well in descriptive or literary contexts. Given its metaphorical nature, it's less common in everyday informal speech. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey scale and impact, though careful consideration of context ensures its appropriate use. Without specific instances, this analysis leverages general linguistic principles to guide usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mighty hand

Replaces "vast" with "mighty", emphasizing power and strength rather than sheer size.

a powerful influence

Shifts the focus from physical size to the impact or sway exerted.

a great power

Focuses on the concept of power and capability.

extensive control

Highlights the degree of command or authority involved.

a sweeping gesture

Emphasizes the broad and encompassing nature of an action or movement.

a broad reach

Focuses on the extent of something's influence or impact.

a wide scope

Highlights the range or breadth of something.

a comprehensive grasp

Emphasizes a thorough understanding or control.

a large dominion

Indicates extensive control or ownership.

an immense authority

Focuses on the scale and weight of one's power or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast hand" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast hand" to describe something that has a large-scale influence or control, such as "The government's policies exerted "a vast hand" over the economy".

What can I say instead of "a vast hand"?

You can use alternatives like "a mighty hand", "extensive control", or "a broad reach" depending on the context.

Is "a vast hand" formal or informal?

The phrase "a vast hand" is generally more formal and literary. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "a big influence" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a vast hand" and "a firm hand"?

"A vast hand" implies a large scale or scope of influence, while "a firm hand" suggests strict control or discipline.