The phrase "work hand in glove" means to work closely together in a cooperative manner. The spelling of the word "glove" in this phrase is pronounced /ɡlʌv/, with a voiced velar stop in the middle and a short vowel at the end. This phonetic transcription represents the sounds of the word. The phrase is commonly spelled correctly, but the tricky part lies in the context in which it is used. "Hand in glove" is often confused with "hand and glove" which means something completely different.
To "work hand in glove" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a close and collaborative partnership or relationship between individuals or groups. It suggests that the parties involved are working together closely, harmoniously, and with great coordination to achieve a common goal or objective.
The phrase draws its origins from an activity known as glove puppetry, where one hand operates a puppet hidden within a glove. The movement of the puppet is precisely controlled by the hand within the glove, creating a seamless and synchronized display. In this context, to "work hand in glove" implies a similar level of synchronization and coordination.
When people or organizations work hand in glove, they are not simply cooperating or collaborating, but rather, they are closely interconnected, functioning seamlessly as a unit, and complementing each other's efforts. This expression is commonly used to describe partnerships where the involved parties share similar objectives or have aligned interests.
The phrase connotes a high degree of trust, cooperation, and synergy, as individuals or groups work in tandem, leveraging their respective strengths and expertise to accomplish shared goals. It emphasizes the close relationship and mutual dependency between the parties, suggesting an understanding and harmony that contribute to their collective success.
Overall, "working hand in glove" epitomizes a strong, integrated collaboration where the involved individuals or groups are inextricably linked, functioning harmoniously to achieve a common purpose or objective.