bear a hand

phrase

Synonyms of bear a handnext
: to join in and help out

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear a hand was in 1710

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bear a hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20a%20hand. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bear a hand

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster