between your hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between your hands" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you want to indicate that something is in someone's control or possession. For example, you could say: "The fate of the company is now between your hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clap the sprigs of mint between your hands a few times to release the aroma.

The New York Times - Style

"There is a more organic connection between your hands and the sound".

The Guardian - Business

Secure the cap and roll the bottle between your hands to blend the ingredients.

The New York Times

Try to keep your weight evenly distributed between your hands and feet.

Harvard University

A ripe mango will yield to slight pressure when you hold it between your hands.

Los Angeles Times

Drain the garbanzos and rub them lightly between your hands in a bowl of cool water.

Los Angeles Times

Step 7. Inhale as you jump (or walk) your feet to between your hands.

Huffington Post

Rub it between your hands.

WikiHow

Then rub it between your hands.

WikiHow

Squeeze your hair between your hands.

WikiHow

Your gaze should fall between your hands.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "between your hands" when you want to emphasize the direct involvement or manipulation of something using one's hands, or when implying control or responsibility over something.

Common error

Avoid using "between your hands" when the agency or control is indirect or shared. This phrase suggests direct, personal influence, so ensure it accurately reflects the level of involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between your hands" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe an action performed physically using one's hands. This can also metaphorically imply that something is under someone's direct control or responsibility, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

54%

News & Media

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "between your hands" is a versatile prepositional phrase with both literal and figurative applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Literally, it denotes a physical action involving one's hands. Figuratively, it implies control or responsibility. While frequently found in general and informal contexts, such as WikiHow and news media, it is less common in highly formal academic or scientific writing. Therefore, consider the context and desired tone when using "between your hands", opting for more formal alternatives like "under your control" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in your grasp

Changes the idiom to focus on the idea of holding something physically or metaphorically.

within your reach

Indicates something is easily accessible or achievable by you.

at your fingertips

Suggests something is readily available and easily controlled.

under your control

Directly conveys the idea of being managed or governed by you.

in your possession

Emphasizes ownership and physical holding of something.

in proximity to your hands

Focuses on the physical closeness of something to your hands.

by means of your hands

Highlights the agency and action performed by your hands.

using your hands

Simplifies the expression to emphasize the act of utilizing your hands.

through your manual effort

Replaces the idiom with a focus on the labor performed by your hands.

employing your hands

Suggests a deliberate and strategic use of your hands.

FAQs

How can I use "between your hands" in a sentence?

You can use "between your hands" to describe a physical action, like "Rub the wax strip "between your hands" to warm it up", or a responsibility, such as "The success of this project is "in your hands"".

What's a more formal way to say "between your hands"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "under your control" or "within your direct agency". These options provide a more professional tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "between your hands" literally?

While "between your hands" can refer to a physical position, be mindful of the image it evokes. For instance, in formal writing, a more neutral phrase like "using your hands" might be preferable.

What is the difference between ""in your hands"" and "between your hands"?

While both indicate some level of control, ""in your hands"" typically refers to a responsibility or task, whereas "between your hands" often describes a physical action or manipulation.