out of hand

out of hand

1. In an unruly or unmanageable state or manner; out of control. The situation definitely got out of hand after a few fans started throwing snowballs. The real estate market in this city is totally out of hand!

2. Without due discussion or consideration. She's so stubborn that she just rejected my suggestion out of hand. We'd like to try some alternative treatments. They're a bit unconventional, but please don't dismiss them out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

1. See out of control.

2. At once, immediately, as in The second surgeon rejected the doctor's treatment plan out of hand. [1300s]

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

COMMON If you reject an idea or suggestion out of hand, you reject it without hesitating and without discussing it or considering it first. He has rejected out of hand any suggestion that there can be any compromise over the proposals. He said he hadn't rejected the idea out of hand. Compare with get out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out

out of ˈhand

immediately and without thinking about something fully or listening to other people’s arguments: They rejected my suggestion out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out

out of hand

1. Out of control: Employee absenteeism has gotten out of hand.

2. Without consideration; immediately: dismissed my complaint out of hand.

See also: hand, of, out