hands in the middle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands in the middle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a position or action involving hands, often in a game or activity where participants are instructed to place their hands in a specific location. Example: "During the game, everyone was told to put their hands in the middle to signify their agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Jon Alterman, a senior fellow and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Donilon "has had his hands in the middle of every single policy decision this administration has made". "And if there's any way to avoid a shift in policy, it's to have someone who has been involved in every policy debate and decision take control," Alterman said.

The Washington Post

The players embrace and shake hands in the middle.

The Guardian - Sport

The Yankees shook hands in the middle of Fenway Park.

The New York Times - Sports

Y'all understand?" The girls piled their hands in the middle of the huddle.

The New York Times - Sports

They pray before cheating and raise holy hands in the middle of a seduction.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile two hands in the middle of the scene are presented in a formal act of supplication.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Algorta is blasé about the whole eating-a-hand-in-the-middle-of-a-traumatic-mountain-experience thing.

Vice

I almost snapped my legs closed on her hand, in the middle of the examination.

The New York Times

But replays showed that Cabrera had slapped his hand in the middle of the plate.

The New York Times - Sports

See? he says, placing the palm of his hand in the middle of his chest.

The Guardian - Film

Putting my hand in the middle of her carved heart, I commiserated — "I love him, too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, using the phrase "hands in the middle" can visually represent a specific position when performing procedures such as CPR, so ensure clarity by including diagrams where necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "hands in the middle" when a more precise description is needed. If you're describing a wrestling match, use specific terms like 'gripping the opponent's arm' rather than relying on vague descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands in the middle" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe where an action occurs. As Ludwig AI points out, this is confirmed by examples showing its use in describing team huddles or physical actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hands in the middle" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase, signifying unity, agreement, or shared purpose. As Ludwig AI's analysis and examples illustrate, it's versatile enough to appear across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and informal communications. While Ludwig confirms its general correctness, understanding its specific communicative purpose and avoiding vague or inappropriate usage is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases like "palms together at the center" and "all hands in" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all hands in

A more concise expression indicating collective participation and effort.

palms together at the center

Focuses on the act of bringing palms together, emphasizing unity or agreement.

hands piled at the center

Describes a piling of hands, often used in team settings to show unity.

hands joined centrally

Highlights the joining of hands at a central point, suggesting cooperation or connection.

linking hands centrally

Highlights the act of linking hands, emphasizing unity and solidarity.

united hands at the core

Emphasizes the unity of hands at the core, suggesting collective strength and support.

fingers intertwined centrally

Emphasizes the interlacing of fingers, indicating a closer, more intimate connection.

centered hand clasp

Highlights the action of clasping hands together, showing a sense of unity.

grasping hands at midpoint

Focuses on the action of grasping hands, implying a strong hold or shared effort.

gripping hands centrally

Emphasizes the firm grip, suggesting determination and shared purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "hands in the middle" to describe a team huddle before a game, a group prayer, or a physical action that involves placing hands together. For example, "The team put their hands in the middle before the final match."

What does "hands in the middle" symbolize?

The phrase "hands in the middle" typically symbolizes unity, agreement, or solidarity among a group of people. It's often used in sports, group activities, or moments of collective decision-making.

Are there alternatives to using "hands in the middle"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "palms together at the center", "hands joined centrally", or "all hands in".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "hands in the middle"?

It's appropriate to use "hands in the middle" when describing a group activity or ritual where people place their hands together, such as a team huddle, a prayer circle, or a collaborative effort requiring physical coordination.