IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishget out of hand
Meaning: To become impossible to control.
Example: “The water fight got out of hand and soaked the kitchen.”
Origin: Reins held in the hand control a horse; letting them slip means losing control. The phrase is found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: irse de las manos Literally: To go away from the hands
Dutch: uit de hand lopen Literally: To run out of hand
More English idioms
- there are no two ways about it The matter admits no doubt or alternative.
- a dime a dozen So common as to be worth very little.
- fire the starting gun To signal the official start of something.
- come what may Whatever happens.
- have a whale of a time To enjoy oneself enormously.
- have plenty left in the tank To still have energy or resources in reserve.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- У тебя золотые руки (u tebya zolotye ruki) You're extraordinarily skilled — able to make or fix anything with your hands.
- T'as pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre You're not exactly a genius — the wire to cut butter is about the most obvious tool imagi…
- Tête de mule An impossibly stubborn person who refuses to change their mind no matter what.
Keep exploring