hand up (to someone)

To hand something to someone who is physically above oneself. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hand" and "up." I stopped halfway up the steps and asked Max to hand up the stack of files I'd forgotten. Once I get on the ladder, you'll have to hand the tools up, OK? Hand up that box of pancake mix and anything else you want to go on this shelf.

hands up

1. A command to surrender. Usually said by someone with a gun during a robbery or arrest. Hands up, Johnson! I've got you in my sights, and I'm not afraid to put you down if you won't come into custody quietly. Hands up—this is a stick-up! Hands up! We have you surrounded!

2. A signal that one agrees, intends to participate, or wants what someone is offering. OK everyone, hands up if you think we should move forward with this policy. Everyone who wants to come, hands up now. Kids, hands up if you have something to say—don't just yell out guesses!

Hands up!

and Stick 'em up!; Put 'em up!

Raise your hands in the air; this is a robbery! (Underworld and Old West.) Hands up! Don't anybody move a muscle. This is a heist. Stick 'em up! Give me all your valuables.

hands up

A direction or order to hold one's hands high, as in Hands up or I'll shoot! This imperative is used by police officers and criminals so that they can see if someone is holding a weapon. [Second half of 1800s]

ˌhands ˈup!

(spoken)
1 used to tell a group of people to raise one hand in the air if they know the answer to a question, etc: Hands up all those who want to go swimming.
2 used by somebody who is threatening people with a gun to tell them to raise both hands in the air

Hands up!

and Stick ’em up!

exclam. Raise your hands in the air; this is a robbery! (Underworld and Western.) Hands up! Don’t anybody move a muscle. This is a heist. Stick ’em up, cowboy!