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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Difference between "in one's hands" and "on one's hands"
Could you please tell me what's the difference between "in one's hands" and "on one's hands"? As in the sentence, He has a large sum of money ______. which one is correct? Thank you!
Top answer
"In his hands" means that the matter is in his control, for him to decide. "On his hands" means either something like he has food (smeared) on his hands or, more often, simply that he has possession or care of something. Either version of the sentence would be correct, depending on what point you are trying to make.
- "In his hands" means that the matter is in his control, for him to decide.
- "On his hands" means either something like he has food (smeared) on his hands or, more often, simply that he has possession or care of something.
- Either version of the sentence would be correct, depending on what point you are trying to make.
- You could also, to be more confusing, say "He has a large sum of money on hand/in hand" (either way means almost the same thing).
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2 Answers
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"In his hands" means that the matter is in his control, for him to decide.
"On his hands" means either something like he has food (smeared) on his hands or, more often, simply that he has possession or care of something.
Either version of the sentence would be correct, depending on what point you are trying to make. You could also, to be more confusing, say "He has a large sum of mo
"On his hands" means either something like he has food (smeared) on his hands or, more often, simply that he has possession or care of something.
Either version of the sentence would be correct, depending on what point you are trying to make. You could also, to be more confusing, say "He has a large sum of mo
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If he has a sum of money in his hands, he is actually holding the money. You can see the money in his hands. (I think this is the one you want.)
If he has a sum of money on his hands, he has money somewhere (anywhere) that is a sort of problem. He must decide what to do with the money. (This is a very unusual thing to say about money, so I don't think this is the one you want.)
If he has a sum of money on his hands, he has money somewhere (anywhere) that is a sort of problem. He must decide what to do with the money. (This is a very unusual thing to say about money, so I don't think this is the one you want.)
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