back of the hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back of the hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dorsal side of the hand or in expressions like "I know it like the back of my hand," meaning familiarity with something. Example: "After years of practice, I can play that song on the piano like the back of my hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

With an open hand or the back of the hand?

The New York Times - Arts

He returned the blow: "Back of the hand," she said.

The New York Times

Then, if Republicans gave him the back of the hand, he would fight.

The New York Times

They are then flipped vertically with the back of the hand, using an upward movement.

Independent

An accelerometer rests just below each fingertip and on the back of the hand.

MIT Technology Review

He gave the Congressional Black Caucus the back of the hand.

The Washington Post

Reliability of transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement on the back of the hand and complex regional pain syndrome after stroke.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

We learnt at the back of the hand from eastern-European teachers.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"This sneaky, back-of-the-hand play to the base's worst instincts does Turnbull's campaign little credit.

The Guardian

Now, however, the Court faces a new challenge to its back-of-the-hand treatment of this vital conflict.

Duke University

A back-of-the-hand endorsement, no question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical procedures or anatomical locations, use "back of the hand" for clarity and common understanding. For more technical contexts, consider using "dorsum of the hand".

Common error

Avoid using "back of the hand" literally when you mean to use the idiom "know something like the back of my hand", which means being very familiar with something. Ensure your context clearly indicates the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the hand" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a prepositional object to specify a location or describe a part of the body. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of the hand" is a versatile noun phrase with both literal and idiomatic uses. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily functioning to specify location, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications. While universally understood, more formal contexts might benefit from anatomical alternatives like "dorsum of the hand". Remember to distinguish the literal meaning from the idiom "know something like the back of my hand", ensuring context clarifies your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dorsal side of the hand

Replaces common phrasing with anatomical terminology.

reverse side of the hand

Substitutes "back" with "reverse" offering a simpler alternative.

top of the hand

Replaces "back" with "top", focusing on the hand's orientation.

outer surface of the hand

Uses a more descriptive term for the hand's exterior.

rear of the hand

Replaces "back" with "rear", which is slightly more formal.

opposite side of the palm

Specifies the location relative to the palm.

dorsum of the hand

Employs a technical, anatomical term.

hand's upper part

Uses simple language to describe location.

non-palmar surface of the hand

Uses medical phrasing to indicate what side is not being refered to.

area behind the knuckles

Pinpoints the location with a landmark.

FAQs

How can I use "back of the hand" in a sentence?

You can use "back of the hand" to describe the location of something, such as "The IV line was inserted into a vein on the back of the hand", or in the idiom "know something like the back of my hand", meaning to be very familiar with it.

What's the difference between the literal and idiomatic uses of "back of the hand"?

Literally, "back of the hand" refers to the dorsal side of the hand. The idiom "know something like the back of my hand" means to be intimately familiar with something; for example, "I know this city like "back of my hand"".

What are some alternatives to "back of the hand" in medical contexts?

In medical or anatomical contexts, you might use more precise terms such as "dorsal side of the hand" or "dorsum of the hand" for accuracy.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "back of the hand"?

The phrase "back of the hand" is generally correct and widely understood. However, in highly formal or technical writing, consider using more specific anatomical terms like "dorsum of hand" for increased precision.