put your hands down

USAGE SUMMARY

"put your hands down" is an idiomatic expression that is often used in both spoken and written English.
For example, you might say, "Put your hands down when you enter the room, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

O.K., you can put your hands down now.

The New York Times - Books

Put your hands down!" The film as aired had been edited, so it is impossible to know how long all this went on.

The New Yorker

When a ball carrier falls, he said, "you've got to be careful not to do what is natural, which is to put your hands down to protect yourself from the fall".

The New York Times - Sports

Put your hands down, guys.

Science Magazine

"You can put your hands down, kids.

HuffPost

You can all put your hands down now.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

When you feel yourself falling sideways, never put your hand down to break your fall.

The Guardian - Travel

"Do you want – can you put your hand down?" persists Ryan.

The Guardian

They found bottom fish on the surface-you could put your hand down and pull up cod & eel.

The New Yorker

If that doesn't work, you put your hand down and drag it out – a very unnerving experience.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's about the buckle, it's about the saddle, it's about the exciting feeling, the adrenaline rush of when you finish and you put your hand down and you're done cutting".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put your hands down" in a setting where someone might be raising their hand to ask a question, ensure the context makes it clear whether you are discouraging questions or simply managing the flow of the conversation. Consider adding "for now" if you intend to take questions later.

Common error

Avoid using "put your hands down" in situations where it could be misconstrued as dismissive or authoritarian. Instead, opt for more polite alternatives like "lower your hands" or "hands down, please", especially when addressing individuals of higher status or in formal environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put your hands down" primarily functions as an imperative, issuing a direct command or instruction. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to tell people to lower their hands in various contexts, from classrooms to casual settings, with Ludwig AI confirming its idiomatic usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put your hands down" is an imperative phrase used to instruct someone to lower their hands. While grammatically correct, its directness can sometimes be perceived as impolite, making it crucial to consider context and tone, as highlighted by Ludwig. Alternatives like "lower your hands" or "hands down, please" might be more suitable in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms that it's an idiomatic expression, and while its use is not very frequent, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower your hands

Focuses on the action of lowering, without necessarily implying they were raised.

drop your hands

Emphasizes a quick or sudden lowering of the hands.

hands down, please

More polite and emphasizes the desired state of the hands being lowered.

stop raising your hand

Addresses the action of raising the hand, instructing to cease the motion.

you can relax your arms

Suggests relaxation, which can imply lowering of arms and hands.

arms down

A shorter, more direct command to lower the arms.

rest your hands

Suggests a more gentle and relaxed positioning of the hands.

desist from raising your hands

A formal and emphatic instruction to stop raising hands.

place your hands at your sides

Instructs where to put the hands specifically, implying they should be lowered.

discontinue raising your hand

A formal way to say stop raising your hand.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "put your hands down"?

The phrase "put your hands down" is appropriate in situations where you need someone to lower their raised hands, such as in a classroom setting or during a presentation. However, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider a more polite phrasing like "lower your hands" if needed.

What's a more polite way to say "put your hands down"?

Instead of saying "put your hands down", you could use gentler alternatives like "lower your hands", "hands down, please", or "you can relax your arms". The choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

Can "put your hands down" be interpreted as rude?

Yes, depending on the context and tone, "put your hands down" can be perceived as rude or dismissive. This is especially true if used abruptly or without explanation. Always consider the recipient's feelings and opt for a more polite phrasing, like "lower your hands", if in doubt.

How does the meaning of "put your hands down" change in different contexts?

While the core meaning remains consistent—to instruct someone to lower their hands—the implication and perceived politeness can vary. In a formal setting, a softer alternative like "lower your hands" might be more suitable. In a casual setting, the phrase might be used lightheartedly, but caution is always advised.