keep your hands off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep your hands off' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in the imperative form when telling someone to not touch something or interfere with something. Example: "Keep your hands off my laptop!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Outside the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., a handful of gun rights supporters held homemade signs with slogans like "Keep your hands off my guns".

Huffington Post

And keep your hands off our guns and our freedom".

Huffington Post

If a person is making noise while choking, then keep your hands off; noise means they're still getting air, and they could cough the obstruction up.

Vice

An agent immediately chastised him, shouting: "If that's not yours, keep your hands off it", to which Ruffino replied: "I work for him".

Wikipedia

You couldn't keep your hands off me.

The New Yorker

But keep your hands off him.

The New York Times - Sports

Keep your hands off my data set.

The New York Times

No. 2: Keep your hands off the trees.

The New York Times - Travel

If you can keep your hands off it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Let me go! Keep your hands off me!" a woman suddenly shouted.

Independent

Keep your hands off the wheel.' I wish I was playing, though.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep your hands off", clearly specify what should not be touched or interfered with to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep your hands off" when you intend to convey a message about verbal interaction or opinions. This phrase is specifically related to physical contact or direct physical interference, not abstract concepts or discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your hands off" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing or commanding someone to avoid physical contact with something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used to protect possessions, spaces, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep your hands off" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to instruct someone to avoid physical contact or interference with something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is accurate and readily found in various contexts, but is mostly present in News and Media. It is generally neutral to informal in register and serves to assert boundaries or protect possessions. When using it, ensure you clearly specify what should not be touched. Alternatives like "do not touch" or "leave it alone" can be used for slight variations in tone or context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands off

Shorter, more informal version of the original phrase.

do not touch

More direct and literal, suitable for instructional or warning contexts.

refrain from touching

More formal and polite way to ask someone not to touch something.

leave it alone

Broader, indicating non-interference beyond just physical contact.

do not handle

Specifically advises against picking up or manipulating something with your hands.

do not interfere

Focuses on preventing intervention or meddling.

keep away

Simple, directive phrase meaning to maintain a distance.

stay away from

Emphasizes physical distance and avoidance.

don't meddle

Emphasizes unwanted or intrusive involvement.

mind your own business

Indicates that someone should refrain from interfering in another's affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "keep your hands off" in a sentence?

Use "keep your hands off" to tell someone not to touch something. For example: "Keep your hands off my phone!" or "Keep your hands off the artwork."

What does "keep your hands off" mean?

"Keep your hands off" means to not touch or interfere with something. It's a directive to maintain physical distance and avoid handling something.

What can I say instead of "keep your hands off"?

You can use alternatives like "do not touch", "leave it alone", or "stay away from" depending on the context.

Is "hands off" the same as "keep your hands off"?

"Hands off" is a shorter, more informal version of "keep your hands off". Both phrases convey the same basic meaning: do not touch or interfere. However, "keep your hands off" is often perceived as slightly more forceful.