idle hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "idle hands" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to convey the idea that when people are not engaged in productive activities, they may get into trouble or engage in mischief. An example: "She always kept her children busy, believing that idle hands lead to mischief." Alternative expressions include "unoccupied hands" and "inactive hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Idle hands".

The New York Times

"Punishments" are work for idle hands.

The Economist

Idle hands are the devil's workshop!

The New Yorker

It was also the work of idle hands.

The New Yorker

"Idle hands are the devil's playground," he said.

The New York Times

"Idle Hands" is on view through Aug. 3.

The New York Times

But the devil makes work for idle hands to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Idle hands are the devil's workshop," she intoned.

The New York Times

And of course the devil finds work for idle hands.

The Guardian

They say the Devil makes work for idle hands.

The Guardian

For at least one coach, idle hands were the devil's playbook.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "idle hands", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – whether it's a warning about potential mischief, or a commentary on the societal implications of unemployment.

Common error

Don't assume that keeping busy is always virtuous. Sometimes, rest and reflection are more productive than filling every moment with activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idle hands" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often appearing as the subject of a sentence or clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase commonly embodies the sentiment that inactivity may lead to negative actions or consequences. The related expression, "idle hands are the devil's workshop", functions as a proverb or adage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "idle hands" is a common English expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, which is most often used in the proverb "idle hands are the devil's workshop". This proverb serves as a warning about the potential dangers of inactivity. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject of a sentence, with a neutral register applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is notably frequent in "News & Media". When using "idle hands", consider the nuanced implications of inactivity you aim to highlight and remember that simply being busy doesn't always equate to productivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unoccupied hands

This alternative replaces "idle" with "unoccupied", focusing on the lack of activity.

inactive hands

This emphasizes the lack of activity in the hands, similar to "idle".

unemployed hands

Focuses on the lack of a task or job for the hands.

unused hands

Highlights that the hands are not being put to any use.

empty hands

Emphasizes the lack of anything to do.

hands without work

Directly states the absence of work for the hands.

hands at leisure

Suggests a state of relaxation and freedom from work.

unengaged hands

Focuses on the lack of engagement or involvement in any activity.

resting hands

Highlights the inactivity and lack of exertion.

hands not occupied

Emphasizes the state of not being busy or engaged in any task.

FAQs

What does the idiom "idle hands are the devil's workshop" mean?

The idiom "idle hands are the devil's workshop" means that people who are not occupied with meaningful activities are more likely to get into trouble or engage in wrongdoing. It suggests that idleness can lead to negative behavior.

What can I say instead of "idle hands"?

You can use alternatives like "unoccupied hands", "inactive hands", or "unemployed hands" depending on the context.

Is it "idle hands are the devil's workshop" or "idle hands are the devil's playground"?

Both "idle hands are the devil's workshop" and "idle hands are the devil's playground" are used, but "idle hands are the devil's workshop" is the more traditional and common version of the proverb.

How to use "idle hands" in a sentence?

You can use "idle hands" to suggest that someone's lack of activity could lead to problems. For example: "The mayor believed that providing youth programs would prevent "idle hands" from getting into trouble."