The phrase “back of one’s hand” is a commonly used idiom in the English language. It is a metaphorical expression that has a variety of meanings and associations. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and different meanings of the phrase “back of one’s hand,” as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The back of one’s hand is the part of the hand that faces upward when the palm is facing down. It is also the part of the hand that is used to strike or hit something. The phrase “know something like the back of one’s hand” means to be very familiar with something, to know it inside and out.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “back of one’s hand” is not clear. It is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, and its exact origin is unknown. However, it is likely that the phrase was derived from the idea of hitting someone with the back of one’s hand, which is a gesture of disrespect or contempt.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase “back of one’s hand” means the part of the hand that faces upward when the palm is facing down. It is also used metaphorically to mean familiarity or contempt.
Merriam-Webster defines the phrase as the back part of the hand, especially the part that is used to strike or hit something. It is also used to mean familiarity or contempt.
Associations
The phrase “back of one’s hand” is often associated with familiarity, contempt, and violence. It can also be associated with disrespect, as hitting someone with the back of one’s hand is seen as a disrespectful gesture.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the phrase “back of one’s hand” include:
- The dorsum of the hand.
- The backhand.
- The reverse side of the hand.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for the phrase “back of one’s hand” include:
- The palm of the hand.
- The inside of the hand.
- The front of the hand.
The same root words
The phrase “back of one’s hand” does not have any root words, as it is an idiom.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “back of one’s hand”:
- He knows this city like the back of his hand.
- She hit him with the back of her hand.
- I would never treat my friends with the back of my hand.
- He dismissed her with a wave of the back of his hand.
In conclusion, the phrase “back of one’s hand” is a commonly used idiom in the English language. It has a variety of meanings and associations, including familiarity, contempt, and violence. While its exact origin is unknown, it is likely that the phrase was derived from the gesture of hitting someone with the back of one’s hand.