Force somebody’s hand

usgb
verb

To make someone do something that they do not want to do, by making it necessary.

The sudden financial loss forced John's hand to sell his car.
Visual representation of "force somebody’s hand" - To make someone do something that they do not want to do, by making it necessary.

Often appears as...

  • financial crisis forced his hand
  • health problems forced her hand

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "force somebody’s hand"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Reluctant Action

Used when a person is forced to take an action they wouldn't normally choose.

Illustration for Reluctant Action
I didn’t want to move, but the rising rent forced my hand.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urgency or Crisis

Often implies a situation of urgency or a crisis that demands immediate action.

Illustration for Urgency or Crisis
The company's bankruptcy forced the CEO’s hand to lay off employees.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Aggressive

Doesn’t necessarily involve aggression. External circumstances are usually responsible.

Illustration for Not Aggressive
The new regulations forced her hand to upgrade her equipment.
Visual representation of the word "Force somebody’s hand"

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