Common uses in English language
I know it like the back of my hand - English phrase used to say that the subject knows the matter perfectly, as if it was part of their body, or that they were born with the knowledge. Related: Second hand.
Second hand - Similar to "I know it like the back of my hand," in that it is definitely known by the subject. Similar to something being described as second nature. Not to be confused with second-hand goods, which have already been used before, and are being resold. In the U.S, at least, second hand means indirect--almost the opposite. "She told me walking everyday is good for the brain" indicates second hand knowledge.
A person may also describe somebody as his right hand man, which means that he relies heavily on this person.
A hand is also:
- A measurement of length, primarily used for the height of horses, see hand (unit of length).
- Something that is like a human hand, such as the rotating pointer on the face of a clock with analog display or on a gauge or dial (hand (mechanisms)).
- An action: "Hand me the remote".
- Learned Hand (1872-1961), a jurist who became chief judge of the U.S 2nd District Court of Appeals.
- A hand (language) used in print materials, which is used to call attention to a particular paragraph or point; a lateral direction, (for example, "there is a button malfunctioning on the right hand side of the remote control."), hand (direction).
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