good hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"good hands" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is responsible, proficient, or capable. For example, "She always puts the team in good hands when she's in charge".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've seen good hands.

The New York Times

He's got good hands.

The New York Times - Sports

He showed good hands".

The New York Times - Sports

Sabrina's in good hands.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You're in good hands".

The New Yorker

He has good hands.

The New York Times - Sports

Next, good hands.

The New York Times

You've got the good hands.

The New York Times - Sports

We were in good hands.

The Guardian - Travel

"You are in good hands," he wrote.

The New York Times

The @washingtonpost is in good hands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific phrase, such as "capable hands" or "safe hands", might be more appropriate to emphasize a particular aspect of the care or handling.

Common error

Avoid using "good hands" when describing situations that require specialized expertise unless the individuals involved demonstrably possess that expertise. Overstating competence can erode trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good hands" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being under reliable care or management. Ludwig confirms that the expression is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good hands" is a common and correct idiom used to express reassurance and confidence in someone's ability to provide care, manage a situation, or be responsible. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media, it extends to Academia and other areas. When using "good hands", ensure the context aligns with genuine competence and responsible care to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "capable hands" or "safe hands" may be more precise depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable hands

Replaces "good" with "capable", emphasizing the skill and competence of the person or entity.

safe hands

Focuses specifically on the aspect of safety and security.

reliable care

Shifts the focus from the 'hands' to the 'care' provided, emphasizing dependability.

responsible stewardship

Highlights the responsible management and care provided, suitable for institutional contexts.

competent management

Emphasizes the efficiency and skill in handling a situation or organization.

skillful handling

Highlights the dexterity and expertise involved in managing something.

under expert guidance

Focuses on the guidance and expertise being provided.

in trustworthy keeping

Stresses the trustworthiness and security of what is being safeguarded.

well looked after

Shifts the perspective to the recipient of care, indicating they are receiving good attention.

assured protection

Emphasizes the guarantee of protection and safety.

FAQs

How can I use "good hands" in a sentence?

You can use "good hands" to indicate that someone or something is being well taken care of. For example, "Don't worry, the project is in "good hands"" or "I knew I was in "good hands" with that surgeon".

What's a more formal alternative to "good hands"?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives to "good hands" could be "capable hands", "competent management", or "responsible stewardship". These options emphasize skill and accountability.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "good hands"?

While generally acceptable, "good hands" may not be suitable in situations where the level of care or competence is uncertain. It's best used when there's a reasonable basis for confidence in the abilities of those in charge.

What does it mean when someone says "You're in good hands"?

When someone says "You're in good hands", it's meant to reassure you that you are being taken care of by someone who is competent, reliable, and trustworthy. It's intended to alleviate concerns and instill confidence.