Have somebody in the palm of your hand

usgb
phrase

To have control or influence over someone.

The charismatic speaker had the audience in the palm of his hand.
Visual representation of "have somebody in the palm of your hand" - To have control or influence over someone

Often appears as...

  • keep someone in the palm of your hand
  • held us in the palm of her hand

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have somebody in the palm of your hand"
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Power Dynamics

This phrase suggests a significant power imbalance, where one person has a great deal of control over someone else.

Illustration for Power Dynamics
She had her opponent in the palm of her hand throughout the debate.
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Captivated Audience

Often used to indicate rapt attention or fascination, as when someone captivates an audience completely.

Illustration for Captivated Audience
With his storytelling, the grandfather had the children in the palm of his hand.
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Emotional Influence

The phrase can imply that the person is being influenced emotionally, not just logically or by authority.

Illustration for Emotional Influence
With just a few words, she had him in the palm of her hand, ready to help her.
Visual representation of the word "Have somebody in the palm of your hand"

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