set (one's) hand to

1. To sign something, such as a document. As soon as you set your hand to these papers, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! I would never set my hand to such an unfavorable contract—I think my signature was forged.

2. To do or attempt (something). I'm pretty good at any sport I set my hand to, except golf—my swing is still terrible despite lots of practice.

set (or put) your hand to

start work on.

A fuller version of this phrase is set your hand to the plough , which alludes to Luke 9:62: ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’.

See also: hand, set, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in classic literature

'Set your hand to a statement of truth and facts, and repeat it before witnesses?'

View in context

You can lead men, I am sure, and there is no reason why you should not succeed at anything you set your hand to, just as you have succeeded with grammar.

View in context

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