get one's hands on something
Meaning: To obtain something, often with difficulty.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “I'd love to get my hands on a copy of that first edition.”
Category: Body & Senses
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 idioms — Body & Senses
- have one's head screwed on — To be sensible and practical.
- put on a brave face — To look cheerful or confident while feeling otherwise.
- throw up one's hands — To show that one gives up, in despair or frustration.
- lose one's head — To stop thinking clearly because of panic, anger or passion.
- lose face — To lose respect or be humiliated in public.
- shoulder the burden — To take on a heavy responsibility.
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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