in able hands

USAGE SUMMARY

'in able hands' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as an idiom to refer to a situation in which something or someone is in the care of people who have the necessary skill or expertise to successfully manage it. For example, "The fate of our country is in able hands with the new president in office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Bush also said the White House strategy for postwar Iraq was in able hands.

The New York Times

Dennis M. Walcott, the nominee to be the next city schools chancellor, projected an air of confidence on Friday, assuring the City Council that the schools were in able hands, despite the projected layoffs of thousands of teachers.

The New York Times

Mitchell leaves the chairman job in able hands.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In less able hands this updating might have resulted in a novel that felt tricksy without being especially innovative.

The Guardian - Books

Now the kitchen is in the able hands of Christophe Eme, whose mastery was evident in everything we tasted, starting with cromesqui, in which a half dozen fat oysters are treated to light-as-air breading and split-second frying, retaining all their succulence, and with a superb game terrine with foie gras and a garnish of fig compote.

The New York Times - Travel

Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire will continue to receive most of the credit in New York, but the short-term fate of the Knicks might lie in the able hands of Billups.

The New York Times

The Choice will continue in her able hands.

The New York Times

This twee, endearing style has become common and is often grating in less able hands.

The New York Times - Arts

Shooting in digital, Mr. Ruiz makes his way fluidly through this unusual bildungsroman, which in less able hands could easily have transformed into a confusing narrative thicket.

The New York Times

The list is a mind-boggling inventory of psychiatric pathologies that could, in less able hands, become the literary equivalent of a carnival sideshow.

The New York Times

After the great Toungoo conqueror King Bayinnaung was succeeded by his son Nanda Bayin (reigned 1581 99), it soon became apparent that the Toungoo empire was in less able hands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in able hands" to reassure someone that a task or responsibility is being handled by competent individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "in able hands" when the individuals involved are simply willing but lack the necessary expertise. The phrase implies proven competence, not just good intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in able hands" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It indicates that something is under the care, control, or management of someone skilled and competent. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in able hands" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although Ludwig indicates it is relatively rare. It functions as a prepositional phrase, signifying that something is under the competent care or control of skilled individuals. This phrase is primarily found in News & Media sources and aims to instill confidence and reassurance. Alternatives such as "in capable hands" offer similar meanings, but it's important to ensure that the individuals involved genuinely possess the required expertise when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in capable hands

Substitutes 'able' with 'capable', maintaining the same core meaning of competence.

in skilled hands

Emphasizes the skill level of the person or people involved.

with a safe pair of hands

Uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate reliability and competence.

under expert care

Replaces 'hands' with 'care' and 'able' with 'expert', shifting the focus to professional attention.

in experienced control

Focuses on the control aspect, highlighting practical knowledge.

in the hands of a professional

Highlights the involvement of a professional, emphasizing expertise.

in competent management

Focuses on management skills, implying a broader scope of responsibility.

under the direction of experts

Emphasizes the expert-led nature of the guidance or management.

under reliable guidance

Highlights the trustworthiness and direction provided.

in trusted custody

Highlights safekeeping and dependability.

FAQs

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

You can use "in able hands" to express confidence that something is being managed by competent people. For example, "The project is "in able hands" with our experienced team."

What is a similar expression to "in able hands"?

A similar expression is "in capable hands", which also conveys a sense of competence and trustworthiness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in able hands"?

It's appropriate to use "in able hands" when you want to assure someone that a task, responsibility, or situation is under the control of skilled and experienced individuals.

Is there a difference between "in able hands" and "in good hands"?

While both phrases imply that something is being well-cared for, "in able hands" emphasizes the competence and skill of the individuals involved, while "in good hands" focuses more on general care and protection.