The phrase "sought hand of" may seem confusing to spell, but it's actually quite straightforward with the help of phonetic transcription. In IPA, "sought" is spelled /sɔːt/, with the "gh" being silent. Similarly, "hand" is spelled /hænd/, while "of" is pronounced /ʌv/. When spoken together, the phrase is pronounced as /sɔːt hænd ʌv/, meaning to search or look for the hand of someone. With the use of phonetics, spelling and pronunciation of such phrases become easy and hassle-free.
"Sought hand of" is an idiomatic expression primarily used in literature and poetry, referring to a person's quest or pursuit of someone's hand in marriage or partnership. It encompasses the act of seeking or actively looking for an individual's consent or approval to enter into a committed relationship.
The phrase "sought hand of" encompasses the sentiment of a traditional proposal, where an individual seeks the permission of their intended partner or their family to proceed with a union. This phrase emphasizes the reverence and significance placed upon obtaining the other person's agreement to marry, often highlighting the cultural or historical context in which such a request is made.
The term can also extend beyond the notion of marriage and be used metaphorically to express a strong desire or pursuit of collaboration, partnership, or alliance, in contexts other than romantic relationships. In this sense, "sought hand of" conveys a determined effort to establish a connection or join forces with someone for a specific purpose.
Overall, the phrase "sought hand of" signifies the act of actively and purposefully seeking permission or approval from another individual or group to enter into a close relationship or collaboration, implying the desire to symbolically join one's life or efforts with the desired person.