How Do You Spell HANDS OVER?

Pronunciation: [hˈandz ˈə͡ʊvə] (IPA)

The phrase "hands over" is commonly spelled in English with the letter "s" after "hand." However, the IPA phonetic transcription of the word reveals that the appropriate spelling would actually include a "z" sound instead, as in "hanz over." This is because the letter "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant in English, but the correct pronunciation for this word calls for a voiced alveolar fricative sound. So next time you use the phrase "hands over," remember to spell it with a "z" for accurate phonetics.

HANDS OVER Meaning and Definition

1. Hands over is a phrasal verb commonly used in English, consisting of the verb "hand" and the preposition "over". It means to give or transfer something to another person, usually by physically passing it from one's hand to theirs. This act of handing over typically implies a relinquishment of possession or control.

   The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as in personal exchanges, business transactions, or legal matters. It suggests a gesture of trust, cooperation, or compliance. For instance, when a person hands over a document, object, or key, they are surrendering it to someone else's care or authority. It often denotes a level of responsibility or obligation being shifted from one individual to another.

   Moreover, "hands over" can also be employed figuratively. In this sense, it signifies the act of surrendering or yielding power, control, or influence in a particular situation. It implies the acceptance of a subordinate position or the recognition of someone else's higher authority or expertise.

   In summary, "hands over" refers to the action of passing or transferring something from one person to another, be it a tangible object, a document, or intangible concepts like power or control. It implies an act of surrender, compliance, or cooperation, and is commonly utilized across personal, professional, and legal settings.

Common Misspellings for HANDS OVER

• hands ove r

Etymology of HANDS OVER

The phrase "hands over" consists of two main components: "hands" and "over".

1. "Hands": The word "hands" can be traced back to the Old English word "hand", which has Germanic origins. It is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Germanic root word "handuz". This root word is also seen in other Germanic languages like German "hand" and Dutch "hand".

2. "Over": The word "over" comes from the Middle English word "ouer", which was derived from the Old English word "ufor". Both "ouer" and "ufor" had Germanic origins. The word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic root "uber" or "ufar", which means "over" or "beyond".