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force hand

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force someone's hand

to force a person to reveal plans, strategies, or secrets. (Alludes to a handful of cards in card playing.) We didn't know what she was doing until Tom forced her hand. We changed our game plan after we forced the other team's hand in the first period.

See also: force, hand

force somebody's hand

to make someone do something before they are ready Information dug up in the investigation forced the president's hand, and he resigned much sooner than anyone expected.

See also: force, hand

force somebody's hand

to make someone do something or to make someone do something sooner than they want to I'm sure they don't want to reduce the price but if you threaten to pull out of the sale that might force their hand.

See also: force, hand

force (someone's) hand

To force to act or speak prematurely or unwillingly.

See also: force, hand