Out of hand
adverb
Not under control.
The party got out of hand and the police were called.
Often appears as...
- get out of hand
- is out of hand
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Immediately, without thinking.
He rejected the proposal out of hand.
Often appears as...
- reject out of hand
- dismissed out of hand
adverb
Not under control.
The party got out of hand and the police were called.
Often appears as...
- get out of hand
- is out of hand
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Immediately, without thinking.
He rejected the proposal out of hand.
Often appears as...
- reject out of hand
- dismissed out of hand
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Control Lost
Used when a situation becomes too difficult to manage or oversee.
The demonstration quickly got out of hand, with crowds blocking the streets.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Spiraled
Often implies that an event or behavior has deteriorated in a negative way.
Their playful banter soon got out of hand and turned into a serious argument.
Pro Tip 3/3Intervention Needed
Suggests that some external help or action is required to regain control.
The kids were so noisy and mischievous; the situation was getting out of hand.
Pro Tip 1/3Control Lost
Used when a situation becomes too difficult to manage or oversee.
The demonstration quickly got out of hand, with crowds blocking the streets.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Spiraled
Often implies that an event or behavior has deteriorated in a negative way.
Their playful banter soon got out of hand and turned into a serious argument.
Pro Tip 3/3Intervention Needed
Suggests that some external help or action is required to regain control.
The kids were so noisy and mischievous; the situation was getting out of hand.
Pro Tip 1/3Control Lost
Used when a situation becomes too difficult to manage or oversee.
The demonstration quickly got out of hand, with crowds blocking the streets.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Spiraled
Often implies that an event or behavior has deteriorated in a negative way.
Their playful banter soon got out of hand and turned into a serious argument.
Pro Tip 3/3Intervention Needed
Suggests that some external help or action is required to regain control.
The kids were so noisy and mischievous; the situation was getting out of hand.
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