at second hand
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia.
at second hand
Not from the original source. Are you sure that Susie and Bill are selling their house? I mean, you only heard that at second hand from Anita.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at second hand
Received from some source other than the original. For example, I learned of Mary's divorce at second hand. This phrase may be applied to information or to previously owned merchandise. [1400s] Also see at first hand.
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.
at second hand
by hearsay rather than direct observation or experience.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017