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3. out of hand

out of hand

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out of hand

1. not controlled Our use of credit cards was out of hand for a while, but then we just stopped using them and paid cash.

Usage notes: often used in the form got out of hand: The party got out of hand, and neighbors called the police.

2. without any more thought They were forced to do the sort of work that anyone who wasn't a prisoner would have rejected out of hand.

Usage notes: often used in the form dismissed out of hand: My idea was dismissed out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

if you refuse something out of hand, you refuse it completely without thinking about it or discussing it Moving to London is certainly a possibility. I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

1. See out of control.

2. At once, immediately, as in The second surgeon rejected the doctor's treatment plan out of hand. [1300s]

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

1. Out of control: Employee absenteeism has gotten out of hand.

2. Without consideration; immediately: dismissed my complaint out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out