At the hands of somebody Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Events Often used when describing negative situations or experiences caused by someone. He endured severe criticism at the hands of the reviewers. Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamics Implies that the person causing the effect has some form of control or power over the other. The employees faced layoffs at the hands of the new CEO. Pro Tip 3/3Victimization Common in contexts where someone is harmed by another's actions or decisions. The villagers were left homeless at the hands of the invading forces.