hands on that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands on that" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or incomplete.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a desire to be involved or take action regarding a specific task or subject. Example: "I want to get my hands on that project and start working on it immediately."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We are trying to get our hands on that and figure out what is the best average weight to use".

The New York Times

Laptop Magazine has a little hands on that shows it being pretty much what you'd expect.

TechCrunch

"Oh, we'd love to get our hands on that one," he said.

The New York Times

It takes hands on that car.

The New York Times - Sports

Hey, hands on that guy! Wait, hands are allowed.

The New York Times

And where could I get my hands on that rocket?

The New York Times

Oh to get our hands on that list!

The Guardian

I would love to see DJ Harvey get his hands on that kind of set-up.

The New Yorker

"I want your hands on that rope all the time". Looking up I could see why.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is so hands-on that he can take the very best care of a horse".

The New York Times - Sports

She is so driven and hands-on that she leaves late-night voice mails for her lieutenants, then asks the next morning whether they have followed up.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you mean 'practical experience' or 'direct involvement' consider replacing the entire phrase by 'practical experience' or 'direct involvement'.

Common error

Avoid using "hands on that" when the reference to "that" is unclear or distant. Ensure the object or concept is explicitly mentioned in the immediate context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands on that" functions primarily as part of a verb phrase, often expressing a desire or intention to acquire, control, or experience something directly. Ludwig AI identifies that it is potentially informal. In examples shown by Ludwig, it indicates an eagerness to engage with a specific item or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hands on that" is commonly used to express a desire to acquire or engage with something directly. As Ludwig AI points out, it is acceptable but may be considered informal, and therefore should be used carefully in professional or academic contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys a sense of eagerness or intention. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. If formality is required, consider alternatives such as "acquire that" or "become involved with that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get hold of that

Emphasizes the act of finding and securing something, often implying difficulty.

get access to that

Focuses on gaining the ability to use or interact with something.

acquire that

Focuses on obtaining or gaining possession of something.

obtain that

Similar to "acquire", but often implies a more formal or deliberate process.

take control of that

Highlights the act of assuming command or management over something.

interact with that

Focuses on the action of directly engaging with or using something.

secure that

Implies protecting or making something safe while obtaining it.

get involved with that

Focuses on participating or being engaged in a particular activity or situation related to something.

lay claim to that

Emphasizes asserting ownership or entitlement to something.

manipulate that

Suggests skillfully handling or controlling something, sometimes with a negative connotation.

FAQs

What does "hands on that" mean?

The phrase "hands on that" generally means to gain access to, acquire, or become directly involved with something. It suggests a desire to interact with or control the object or situation being referenced.

What are some alternatives to "hands on that"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire that", "get hold of that", or "take control of that" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "hands on that" in a sentence?

You can use "hands on that" when expressing a desire to obtain something (e.g., "I'd love to get my hands on that new software") or to become involved in a task (e.g., "The team is eager to get their hands on that project").

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hands on that"?

The phrase "hands on that" is appropriate in informal contexts where you want to express a desire to acquire or become involved with something. However, in more formal settings, it's better to use more precise language, such as "acquire", "obtain", or "become involved with".