keep one's hand in

phrase

: to keep in practice

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keep one's hand in was in 1749

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Cite this Entry

“Keep one's hand in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20one%27s%20hand%20in. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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