Phrasal Verbs with “Hand”

Here’s the ultimate list of phrasal verbs with “hand.”

“Hand back” Meaning and Examples

To return something to someone, to give something back to someone.

Example

After reading the newspaper, I handed it back to my grandfather.

After reading the newspaper, I gave it back to my grandfather.

The officer handed me my license back after checking it.

The officer gave me my license back after checking it. 

“Hand down” Meaning and Examples

Hand down – Meaning 1

To teach, to pass on knowledge.

Example

My ancestors have handed down the art of bakery for generations! I will teach my son when he is old enough.

My ancestors have taught the art of bakery for generations! I will teach my son when he is old enough. 

Hand down – Meaning 2

To give something material from an older relative to the younger ones. It can be clothes, jewelry, toys, etc.

Example

Her grandmother handed her down that necklace. It has been in the family since the 18th century.

Her grandmother gave her that necklace. It has been in the family since the 18th century.

Hand down – Meaning 3

To formally decide something, to officially inform something, normally used in court.

Example

The jury will hand down the verdict this afternoon. We will see what they decide.

The jury will officially inform the verdict this afternoon. We will see what they decide. 

“Hand in” Meaning and Examples

To give something to a teacher, boss, etc. To present or deliver something to a person in authority. 

Example

“You have to hand in your essays before midnight or I won’t correct them,” the teacher said.

“You have to deliver your essays before midnight or I won’t correct them,” the teacher said.

He said he was tired of working here. He handed in his resignation yesterday.

He said he was tired of working here. He gave his resignation yesterday.

“Hand on” Meaning and Examples

To pass something, to pass information, to transfer something to someone else.

Example

He will hand on the message to the authorities. He decided not to remain silent.

He will pass the message to the authorities. He decided not to remain silent. 

All the benefits she had in her job will be handed on to her replacement. 

All the benefits she had in her job will be transferred to her replacement.

“Hand out” Meaning and Examples

Hand out – Meaning 1

To give things to a group of people. 

Example

Johnny is always handing out beers when we go out. He is very generous.

Johnny is always giving beers when we go out. He is very generous. 

Hand out – Meaning 2

To share information.

Example

As a policy of this company, we will not hand out your email address without your permission.

As a policy of this company, we will not share your email address without your permission. 

“Hand over” Meaning and Examples

To give something to someone using your hands.

Example

Josh was drunk so I asked him to hand me over the car keys. He could not drive.

Josh was drunk so I asked him to give me the car keys. He could not drive.

After capturing the mugger, the neighbors handed him over to the police.After capturing the mugger, the neighbors gave him to the police.