a show of hands

a show of hands

A visual representation of interest indicated by people raising their hands. Class, we'll decide what to do at recess by a show of hands. Who wants to play tag?

See also: hand, of, show

show of hands

a display of raised hands [in a group of people] that can be counted for the purpose of votes or surveys. We were asked to vote for the candidates for captain by a show of hands. Jack wanted us to vote on paper, not by a show of hands, so that we could have a secret ballot.

See also: hand, of, show

show of hands

An informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice, as in Let's have a show of hands-how many want the next meeting on a Sunday? [Late 1700s]

See also: hand, of, show

a show of hands

COMMON If a question is decided by a show of hands, people vote on it by raising their hands to indicate whether they vote yes or no. Parliamentary leaders agreed to take all such decisions by a show of hands. Russell then asked for a show of hands concerning each of the targets.

See also: hand, of, show

show of hands

the raising of hands among a group of people to indicate a vote for or against something, with numbers typically being estimated rather than counted.

See also: hand, of, show

a show of ˈhands

a method of voting in which each person shows their opinion by raising their hand: If you like, we can settle this debate with a show of hands.

See also: hand, of, show