The phrase "hand over fist" means to earn or acquire money quickly and continuously. The spelling of this phrase may seem puzzling, but it can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). /hænd/ represents the first syllable and, as usual, it's pronounced by placing the back of the tongue against the soft palate. The second syllable is /əʊvə/, which is similar to the sound of the word "over". Finally, the third syllable is /fɪst/, which is pronounced by placing the front of the tongue against the upper teeth.
Hand over fist is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of making rapid and continuous progress, often regarding financial gains or advancement in a particular endeavor. The term originated from the image of a person grabbing fistfuls of something with one hand and then quickly reaching for more with the other, symbolizing the swift and continuous way in which progress is being made.
Typically used to describe success or wealth accumulation, hand over fist suggests a consistent and rapid rate of growth or improvement. It implies that one is achieving substantial gains or success without difficulty or interruption.
The expression can be used in various contexts, such as business, sports, or personal achievements. For instance, it may describe an individual's rapid career advancements, where they are steadily climbing the corporate ladder and achieving promotions hand over fist. In a financial sense, it may imply that profits or investments are increasing exponentially and continuously, symbolizing considerable financial success.
Overall, hand over fist conveys the idea of continuous, rapid, and effortless progress or gains in a particular area. It emphasizes the speed and ease with which someone is achieving success or accumulating wealth, highlighting a remarkable pace of advancement.