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hand to hand

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hand to hand

Involving or characterized by people in close proximity to one another. (Hyphenated if used as a modifier.) The journalist moved hand to hand among the crowd of protesters to get a better sense of their varied concerns. The Internet has transformed bullying from a hand-to-hand act to one done from a distance.

See also: hand

hand to hand

1. In close combat; also, at close quarters. For example, If the enemy came any closer they would soon be fighting hand to hand. This expression, dating from about 1400, is usually restricted to military contexts but occasionally sees more general use.

2. from hand to hand. From one person to another; through a succession of persons. For example, The instructions were passed from hand to hand until everyone had seen them, or Over the generations the family albums went from hand to hand. [Mid-1500s]

See also: hand