hands in the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands in the ground" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used metaphorically to describe being grounded or connected to nature, but clarity is needed for effective communication. Example: "After a long week in the city, I love to spend my weekends with my hands in the ground, gardening and reconnecting with nature."

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yesterday the British & Germans met & shook hands in the Ground between the trenches, & exchanged souvenirs, & shook hands.

Wikipedia

Put the head stones in the soil to hold it up and stick the hands in the ground with the fingers sticking out, and curled away from your house.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Otherwise, the defense will just line up, put their hand in the ground and go.

The New York Times - Sports

His strengths are such that he is suited to play with his hand in the ground on every play.

The Guardian - Sport

We compose our sense of territory by consulting the maps in our heads, the maps in our hands and the ground in front of us.

The New York Times

Resembling yoga but with chanting, it went kind of like: Hands in the air, hands to the ground, chant, hum, hands in the air, and so on.

Vice

Then, in second position, reach down, putting your hands on the ground in the middle.

WikiHow

From here crouch and place your hands on the ground in front of you with your right hand in front of your left hand.

WikiHow

Place your hands on the ground in front of you.

WikiHow

Place hands on the ground in front of you, shoulder-width apart.

WikiHow

Put your hands on the ground in front of you with your elbows bent.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "working the soil" or "touching the earth" to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "hands in the ground" as a vague metaphor. If you intend to convey being grounded or connected to nature, opt for clearer expressions like "roots in the soil" or "digging in the earth" to prevent readers from envisioning a literal scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands in the ground" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a prepositional phrase within a larger sentence. While Ludwig AI indicates some ambiguity, examples show its use in describing physical actions or symbolic connections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hands in the ground" is a phrase that can function both literally and metaphorically, often describing physical actions related to the earth or symbolic connections to nature and groundedness. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase can be ambiguous, so clarity is essential. It appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media contexts with a neutral to informal register. For increased clarity, alternatives like "working the soil" or "touching the earth" may be preferable. Despite its somewhat uncommon usage, when the context is appropriately set, "hands in the ground" can effectively convey a sense of connection and engagement with the natural world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands on the earth

Emphasizes direct contact with the soil or natural world.

hands in the dirt

Highlights involvement in messy or practical tasks.

hands reaching for the ground

Focuses on the action of extending the hands downward.

palms touching the earth

Describes a deliberate act of making contact with the ground.

fingers digging into the soil

Illustrates a deeper level of engagement with the ground.

burying hands in the earth

Indicates a symbolic action of concealment or return.

grounding hands in the soil

Connects to the idea of stability and being rooted.

hands pressed against the ground

Highlights the pressure and contact with the surface.

earth between the fingers

Emphasizes the sensation of the soil.

grasping the ground

Indicates an attempt to grip or hold onto the earth.

FAQs

What does "hands in the ground" mean?

The phrase "hands in the ground" can refer to physically touching or working with soil, as in gardening. Metaphorically, it can describe being grounded, connected to nature, or engaged in practical tasks. Its meaning depends heavily on context.

How can I use "hands in the ground" in a sentence?

Use "hands in the ground" to describe direct contact with soil. For example, "After a long week, I find peace with my hands in the ground, planting flowers." Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

What are some alternatives to "hands in the ground"?

Alternatives include "working the soil", "touching the earth", or "digging in the dirt". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "hands in the ground" metaphorically?

Use it metaphorically when you want to suggest a strong connection to nature, practicality, or being grounded. However, ensure the context makes the figurative meaning clear to avoid confusion. Be aware that there may be clearer alternatives.