
IdiomBody & Senses
English
get one's hands on something
Meaning: To obtain something, often with difficulty.
Example: “I'd love to get my hands on a copy of that first edition.”
Origin: The hands as the means of taking hold. The phrase is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Swedish: lägga vantarna på Literally: To lay mittens on
More English idioms
- dig one's own grave To cause one's own downfall.
- wouldn't hurt a fly Is very gentle and harmless.
- in borrowed plumes Pretending to qualities or achievements that belong to someone else.
- come in handy To be useful when needed.
- like two peas in a pod Very similar in looks or character.
- put someone in their place To remind someone firmly that they are not as important as they think.
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