Stay your hand
phrase
To stop oneself from doing something.
He was about to hit him, but he stayed his hand.
Often appears as...
- he stayed his hand
- she stayed her hand
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To stop oneself from doing something.
He was about to hit him, but he stayed his hand.
Often appears as...
- he stayed his hand
- she stayed her hand
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Understand that 'stay your hand' is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern conversation.
In a historical novel, a character might say, 'I almost sought revenge, but I stayed my hand.'
Pro Tip 2/3Literal vs. Figurative
'Stay your hand' can mean physically stopping your hand or stopping your action metaphorically.
Metaphorically: 'Seeing the children play, he stayed his hand from scolding them.'
Pro Tip 3/3Moment of Hesitation
The phrase often indicates a moment of hesitation before deciding not to do something.
She raised her hand in annoyance but stayed her hand, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Understand that 'stay your hand' is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern conversation.
In a historical novel, a character might say, 'I almost sought revenge, but I stayed my hand.'
Pro Tip 2/3Literal vs. Figurative
'Stay your hand' can mean physically stopping your hand or stopping your action metaphorically.
Metaphorically: 'Seeing the children play, he stayed his hand from scolding them.'
Pro Tip 3/3Moment of Hesitation
The phrase often indicates a moment of hesitation before deciding not to do something.
She raised her hand in annoyance but stayed her hand, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
Understand that 'stay your hand' is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern conversation.
In a historical novel, a character might say, 'I almost sought revenge, but I stayed my hand.'
Pro Tip 2/3Literal vs. Figurative
'Stay your hand' can mean physically stopping your hand or stopping your action metaphorically.
Metaphorically: 'Seeing the children play, he stayed his hand from scolding them.'
Pro Tip 3/3Moment of Hesitation
The phrase often indicates a moment of hesitation before deciding not to do something.
She raised her hand in annoyance but stayed her hand, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble.
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