fall into the wrong hands

fall into (someone's or something's) hands

To come into the possession of some person, group, organization, etc., especially when it is undesirable or detrimental to someone else. If this report falls into the media's hands, you can expect a full-blown scandal. I lost my diary, and if it falls into the wrong hands, I will be completely mortified. How could you let our best weapon fall into the enemy's hands?

See also: fall, hand

fall into the wrong hands

To become acquired by people who were not supposed to have or know about the item in question and who may use it for nefarious purposes. Please keep this report to yourself, I don't want it falling into the wrong hands. If this information falls into the wrong hands, all our undercover agents will be in danger. I lost my diary, and if it falls into the wrong hands, I will be completely mortified.

See also: fall, hand, wrong

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

fall into the wrong hands

Fig. to become associated with the wrong person; to become the possession of the wrong person, I don't want these plans to fall into the wrong hands. This could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands.

See also: fall, hand, wrong

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.