Raise a/your hand against/to somebody
verb phrase
To physically attack or hit someone.
He would never raise his hand against his own child.
Often appears as...
- never raise a hand against
- dared to raise a hand against
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To threaten or show intention to harm or punish someone.
If you dare to raise a hand to me, I will call the police.
Often appears as...
- raise a hand in anger
- raise a hand in threat
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To physically attack or hit someone.
He would never raise his hand against his own child.
Often appears as...
- never raise a hand against
- dared to raise a hand against
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To threaten or show intention to harm or punish someone.
If you dare to raise a hand to me, I will call the police.
Often appears as...
- raise a hand in anger
- raise a hand in threat
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Understand the situation. The phrase often implies defense rather than unjustified aggression.
In the movie, the hero raises his hand against the villain to protect the villagers.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used metaphorically to mean opposing or confronting someone or something.
The community raised a hand against the corrupt mayor by protesting.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious, as the phrase can be sensitive or offensive due to the implication of violence.
He apologized after jokingly saying he would raise his hand against his friend.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Understand the situation. The phrase often implies defense rather than unjustified aggression.
In the movie, the hero raises his hand against the villain to protect the villagers.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used metaphorically to mean opposing or confronting someone or something.
The community raised a hand against the corrupt mayor by protesting.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious, as the phrase can be sensitive or offensive due to the implication of violence.
He apologized after jokingly saying he would raise his hand against his friend.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Understand the situation. The phrase often implies defense rather than unjustified aggression.
In the movie, the hero raises his hand against the villain to protect the villagers.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used metaphorically to mean opposing or confronting someone or something.
The community raised a hand against the corrupt mayor by protesting.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be cautious, as the phrase can be sensitive or offensive due to the implication of violence.
He apologized after jokingly saying he would raise his hand against his friend.
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