in their hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in their hands' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or a group of people having control or responsibility for something. For example, you could say: "The future of the company is now in their hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Putty in their hands".

The New York Times - Books

It is in their hands.

Independent

He was in their hands.

The New York Times

"They held my career in their hands".

The New York Times

I'll leave it in their hands.

The New York Times

This puts the solution in their hands".

The New York Times

People carried them around in their hands.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's in their hands".

The New York Times - Sports

Their fates are in their hands.

The Guardian - Sport

The decision is in their hands".

The Guardian - Sport

"It is very much in their hands".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their hands" to clearly indicate responsibility or control over a situation, decision, or object. This phrase is effective for conveying where the power or onus lies.

Common error

Avoid using "in their hands" when you simply mean physical possession. If an item is just being held, a more literal description is better. "In their hands" implies a deeper sense of control or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their hands" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate control, responsibility, or agency. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, where the phrase clarifies who has the power or duty to act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in their hands" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate control, responsibility, or agency. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that it appropriately conveys the intended sense of power or obligation, avoiding confusion with mere physical possession. Consider alternatives like "under their control" or "their responsibility" to fine-tune your message. Ludwig's examples offer valuable insights into its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their control

Highlights the aspect of authority and management, rather than simple possession.

their responsibility

Focuses on the obligation and accountability associated with a task or outcome.

within their power

Emphasizes the ability or capacity to do something, shifting focus from possession to capability.

up to them

Indicates that a decision or action is dependent on their choice or will.

dependent on them

Highlights the reliance on their action or decision.

in their keeping

Suggests a sense of safekeeping or custody, often implying a protective role.

entrusted to them

Suggests a formal delegation of authority or responsibility.

subject to their discretion

Highlights that the decision is at their choice.

in their domain

Indicates control and influence, often in a specific area or field.

at their disposal

Implies that something is available for them to use as they see fit, focusing on resources or opportunities.

FAQs

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

Use "in their hands" to indicate that someone or a group of people has control or responsibility for something. For instance, "The success of the project is now "in their hands"".

What are some alternatives to saying "in their hands"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "under their control", "their responsibility", or "up to them".

Is it correct to say "the decision lies in their hands"?

Yes, "the decision lies in their hands" is grammatically correct and conveys that they have the authority to make the decision. Similar phrasing includes "the decision is up to them".

What is the difference between "in their hands" and "at their disposal"?

"In their hands" typically implies control, responsibility, or decision-making power. "At their disposal" refers to something being available for their use. While related, they emphasize different aspects of power and resources. For example, "The future of the company is "in their hands"", versus "The company's resources are "at their disposal"".