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hands off

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌhændz ˈɔf/ · UK /ˌhændz ˈɒf/

hands off means: Used to tell someone firmly to stop touching a person or thing.

interjection

DO NOT TOUCHA2

Used to tell someone firmly to stop touching a person or thing.

  • Hands off! That is mine.
  • Hands off the cake until everyone gets here.
  • Hands off her! She told you to leave her alone.

How to use it: hands off + someone/something (Hands off my phone!)

Similar words: do not touch, keep your hands away

Common phrases: hands off someone, hands off my cake, hands off the display

adjective

ALLOW INDEPENDENCEB2

Allowing other people to decide and act without trying to control them.

  • Our manager has a hands-off style.
  • She takes a hands-off approach to parenting.
  • Would a more hands-off policy give staff greater freedom?

Similar words: noninterventionist

Opposites: controlling, interventionist

Common phrases: hands-off approach, hands-off manager, hands-off policy

Questions about hands off

What does hands off mean?

Used to tell someone firmly to stop touching a person or thing.

What is hands off in other languages?

Türkçe: elini çek · Español: no toques · Français: pas touche · Deutsch: Finger weg · Italiano: giù le mani · 日本語: 触るな

How do you pronounce hands off?

In American English /ˌhændz ˈɔf/; in British English /ˌhændz ˈɒf/.

How do you use hands off in a sentence?

Hands off! That is mine. Hands off the cake until everyone gets here.

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hands off in other languages

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