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show of hands

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show of hands

a display of raised hands [in a group of people] that can be counted for the purpose of votes or surveys. We were asked to vote for the candidates for captain by a show of hands. Jack wanted us to vote on paper, not by a show of hands, so that we could have a secret ballot.

See also: hand, of, show

show of hands

An informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice, as in Let's have a show of hands-how many want the next meeting on a Sunday? [Late 1700s]

See also: hand, of, show