at your hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at your hands" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "in your hands," which conveys the idea of having control or responsibility over something. Example: "The success of this project is now in your hands, so make sure to manage it well."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No point just staring at your hands".

The Guardian - Travel

I made something [in 'Herzog'] of the abuses I suffered at your hands".

The New York Times - Books

"I cried when I thought about how hard they suffered at your hands".

The New York Times

"You've got a 300-pounder running at your hands," Abraham said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why I look down at your hands, looked at your rings".

The New York Times - Sports

"It helps to look at your hands when they look nice".

The New York Times

For their slips and vacillations pardon at your hands to win.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I looked at your arms and your shoulders and especially at your hands while you worked on the canvas.

The New York Times

"Can I take a closer look at your hands?" he is asked by Martin's mother (Alicia Silverstone).

The New Yorker

"I shall, therefore, conclude what I have to say to you, after thanking you for the very generous treatment that I have received at your hands.

The New York Times

It's important not to look at your hands when you are learning to type.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating responsibility or control, opt for "in your hands" instead of the grammatically questionable "at your hands" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "at" when "in" is grammatically appropriate to express control or possession. Remember, something is usually "in your hands", not "at your hands".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at your hands" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to indicate agency or responsibility. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable, with the more appropriate alternative being "in your hands".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

30%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at your hands" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI points out that it's grammatically incorrect. The correct and preferred alternative is "in your hands", which clearly conveys control, responsibility, or agency. When writing, it's best to avoid "at your hands" and opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "in your control" or "under your authority" to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in your hands

This alternative emphasizes the possession of something, suggesting it's being directly managed by someone.

in your control

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of having direct control or command over something.

under your authority

This phrase highlights the possession of official or recognized power over a situation or task.

within your power

This alternative focuses on the ability or capacity to influence or enact something.

subject to your discretion

This phrase indicates that decisions or actions are to be determined by one's judgment or preference.

your responsibility

This option directly points to the obligation to oversee or manage something.

due to your actions

This option focuses on linking an outcome to specific behaviors or deeds performed.

caused by you

This phrase directly assigns causation or instigation to a specific person.

resulting from your intervention

This phrase highlights that a certain result occurred because of one's involvement or participation.

attributable to you

This alternative formally assigns responsibility or origin to a particular person or entity.

FAQs

Is "at your hands" grammatically correct?

No, the correct preposition to use is "in". Therefore, the proper phrase is "in your hands", which means something is under your control or responsibility.

What does "in your hands" mean, and how does it differ from "at your hands"?

"In your hands" signifies control or responsibility. "At your hands" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What can I say instead of "at your hands" to indicate something is your responsibility?

Use phrases such as "in your control", "under your authority", or the more common "in your hands".

When is it appropriate to use "in your hands"?

Use "in your hands" when you want to convey that someone has the power, responsibility, or ability to manage or decide something. For example, "The project's success is now in your hands".