thick hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"thick hands" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's hands as having a large or heavy appearance, often due to muscularity, fatness, or calluses. Here is an example: The lumberjack's thick hands effortlessly swung the heavy axe, swiftly chopping through the thick tree trunk.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The elder Galloway's large, thick hands began to fidget.

The New York Times - Sports

He cupped his face in his thick hands and began weeping.

The New Yorker

He was of retirement age, with white hair and thick hands.

The New York Times - Travel

Vin Basile, 24, a pizza maker from Manhattan, developed his thick hands and arms by kneading dough.

The New York Times

At Vinistra I met one of the country's winemaking pioneers, Moreno Coronica, who possesses a farmer's thick hands and sun-hardened face but an artist's sensitivity.

The New York Times - Travel

As to how the change is working thus far, Eschmeyer, his soft, thick hands at his side, just smiled and said, "Ask me in 12 months".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The policeman puts a thick hand on your arm.

The New Yorker

Mr. Connolly put a thick hand on his son's narrow thigh.

The New Yorker

I chose a thick, hand-cut ribeye steak, grilled perfectly pink.

The New York Times - Travel

An eight-ounce hunk of battered cod can be had for $8.50, and comes with thick, hand-cut fries.

The New York Times - Travel

"Look at what a sweet child he is," she says, already beside us, her thick hand stroking P.T.'s hair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing hands, consider what specific attribute you want to emphasize: size, strength, texture, or shape. "Thick hands" suggests robustness and is fitting when portraying characters engaged in physical labor or those with a powerful build.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on physical descriptions like "thick hands" to define a character. Integrate these details with their actions, personality, and role in the narrative to create a more nuanced and engaging portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick hands" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "hands". It paints a vivid picture of the hands' physical characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Travel

16%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thick hands" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to depict hands that are large and robust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly news, travel, and sports, and often implies strength or a history of physical labor. While effective in conveying a specific image, it's crucial to integrate this detail with other character traits for a richer portrayal. When you need to describe hands with a suggestion of robustness, consider using the phrase "thick hands".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large hands

Focuses on the size of the hands, omitting the texture or shape aspect of "thick".

sturdy hands

Highlights the strength and resilience of the hands, implying they are well-built.

broad hands

Emphasizes the width rather than the depth or robustness of the hands.

robust hands

Emphasizes health and strength, suggesting hands that are not frail.

stocky hands

Similar to "thick" but carries a connotation of being short and solid.

chunky hands

Implies a somewhat less refined or delicate appearance of the hands.

hefty hands

Emphasizes the weight and substantial nature of the hands.

substantial hands

Indicates that the hands are considerable in size and presence.

brawny hands

Suggests muscular and strong hands, often associated with physical labor.

solid hands

Highlights the firmness and density of the hands.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The farmer's "thick hands" were calloused from years of working the land" or "He cupped his face in his "thick hands" and began to weep".

What does "thick hands" suggest about a person's character or background?

"Thick hands" often imply physical strength, a history of manual labor, or a robust physique. The phrase can evoke images of someone who is hardworking and resilient.

Which is more descriptive, ""thick hands"" or "large hands"?

"Thick hands" suggests both size and a certain density or robustness, while "large hands" focuses primarily on size. Therefore, ""thick hands"" generally provides a more descriptive image.

What are some alternative phrases to describe someone's hands besides ""thick hands""?

Alternatives include "sturdy hands", "brawny hands", or "robust hands", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the hands' appearance or capabilities.