Pronunciation: [lˈɛnd hˈand] (IPA) 
The phrase "lend a hand" is commonly misspelled as "lend hand." The correct spelling includes the article "a," which is often omitted. The pronunciation of "lend a hand" is /lend ə hænd/, with the stress on the first syllable of "lend" and a schwa sound in the second syllable of "a." The "d" at the end of "lend" is often omitted in spoken English, but the spelling includes it to indicate the past tense of the verb.
"Lend a hand" is a common idiomatic expression that refers to offering assistance or help to someone in need. It is an act of extending one's hand figuratively, symbolizing the act of providing support, aid, or cooperation to another person. The phrase is often used to describe an individual's willingness to contribute their time, resources, skills, or efforts in order to assist someone else.
The acts of lending a hand can take various forms, such as physically helping with a task or project, offering advice, moral support, or even simply being present to listen and provide comfort. It conveys a sense of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others, indicating a willingness to go out of one's way to make another person's situation better or easier.
Furthermore, "lend a hand" can be applied in diverse contexts, from everyday situations to more significant or challenging circumstances. It emphasizes the idea of camaraderie and cooperation, highlighting the importance of working together as a community or group in order to achieve common goals or solve problems.
The phrase "lend a hand" is often seen as an invitation or request for aid, and it also illustrates the value of reciprocity and mutual support in human interactions. It signifies a commitment to helping others and actively participating in the betterment of society through acts of goodwill.
The phrase "lend a hand" is a combination of two separate words, each with its own etymology:
1. Lend: The word "lend" comes from the Old English word "lǣnan", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*laenijan". This word indicates the act of granting someone the temporary use or possession of something, usually with the expectation of receiving it back. The meaning of "lend" in the context of offering assistance likely arose because providing a temporary helping hand can be seen as granting someone the use of one's skills or labor to aid them.
2. Hand: The word "hand" has its roots in various Germanic languages. It shares a common ancestry with similar words in Old English ("hand"), Old High German ("hant"), and Old Norse ("hǫnd").
