throw (one's) hands up
(redirected from throw his hands up)throw (one's) hands up
To express or indicate exasperated despair or hopelessness; to submit or give up, especially in a dejected or frustrated manner. I'm ready to throw my hands up after trying to train this unruly puppy. Don't just throw your hands up if you don't get it right—you have to keep trying!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
throw one's hands up (in despair)
1. Lit. to make a gesture of throwing up one's hands indicating futility, despair, finality, etc. He threw his hands up in despair and walked away. She threw up her hands and fled.
2. Fig. to give up in despair. John threw his hands up in despair because they wouldn't let him see his brother in the hospital. Don't give up! Don't just throw up your hands!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.