have a hand in (something)
1. To be involved or influential in the planning, creation, or execution of something. It's pretty clear from the film's style that the producer had a hand in how it was directed. I'd like to have a hand in planning the party, if that's all right. It was pretty exciting to have a hand in launching the new business.
2. To remain involved in something, often in a minor role or capacity. Joe insists on having a hand in the company, even though he has no real authority at this point. I'm sorry, but if you're not on the board, you shouldn't be allowed to have a hand in the corporate restructuring. You had a hand in creating this layout, even after I explicitly told you to let Katie do it? What were you thinking?
3. To continue to do something in order to maintain a particular skill or ability. I still like having a hand in acting, even though my focus is on directing now. Yeah, my injury is an issue, but I still try to have a hand in yoga when I can. I have no desire to have a hand in car repairs anymore—I'm retired!
take a hand in (something)
To be involved or influential in the planning, creation, or execution of something. It's pretty clear from the film's style that the producer had a hand in how it was directed. I'd like to take a hand in planning the party, if that's all right.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take a hand in something
to help with something; to participate in something. Would you take a hand in this work? We need your efforts. Ted refused to take a hand in the preparations for the evening meal.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
have a hand in
1. Also, take a hand in. Participate, be involved, as in I'd like to have a hand in planning the publicity. [Late 1500s]
2. have or keep one's hand in . Be actively engaged or remain in practice doing something. For example, He works as stage manager, director, understudy-he has a hand in every aspect, or Write a few pages every day, just to keep your hand in. [Mid-1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
have a hand in something
COMMON If you have a hand in something, you are one of the people involved in doing it or creating it. The appointments yesterday included people who will have a hand in shaping policy. Peter is a very experienced yachtsman, and had a hand in the design himself. Note: If you take a hand in something, you become involved in doing it or creating it. Perhaps it is time for ministers to step in and take a hand in deciding what services the BBC should provide. Note: You can talk about the extent to which someone is involved by putting an adjective such as strong, big or small before hand. Browner had a strong hand in her selection.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
take a hand in
become influential in determining something; intervene. 1988 Shetland Times The amenity trust is also taking a hand in restoring two old gravestones in the Ollaberry kirkyard.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
have/take a hand in something/in doing something
be involved in something, especially something bad, wrong, etc: We think all three of you had a hand in planning the robbery. So, come on, confess. ♢ I’m sure he had a hand in creating this problem.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017