out of one's hands

phrase

—used to say that one cannot control something

The decision is out of my hands.

Browse Nearby Words

out of one's hair

out of one's hands

out of one's head

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Out of one's hands.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out%20of%20one%27s%20hands. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

out of one's hands

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

libertine

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes