big hand
21
2.9
- noun
- Let's give him a big hand for that.
- give a big hand
- a big hand for our contestants
- a big hand, gentlemen
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Watch on YouTubeSo please give a big hand to Richard V Reeves.
- So please give a big hand to Richard V Reeves.
Examples
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All right, ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big hand to miss Jacki Paar!
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Let's give her a big hand, ladies and gentlemen.
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Give these guys a big hand.
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Come on, big hand for them.
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Give him a big hand, huh?
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Give her a big hand!
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Give 'em a big hand!
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Give them a big hand.
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Please give a big hand to John Bennett.
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Let's give a big hand to our performers for their amazing show!
Synonyms
285
1.0
Clapping hands to show you like or approve something
81
4.0
Clapping by many people to show approval
60
1.9
A short time when many people clap to show approval
60
2.7
A hand gesture that shows approval by raising the thumb
46
4.3
A long loud round of clapping by people to show strong approval
27
1.4
Loud shouts from a group to show approval or encouragement
17
1.0
A sound made by people hitting their hands together to show approval
4
8.2
Praise people give someone in public for something good they did
3
1.0
A short clap of the hands to show approval or appreciation
2
1.0
Striking the palms of your hands together repeatedly to show approval or admiration
Antonyms
How Enthusiastic
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning relies on a metaphorical use of 'hand' = 'applause', so the overall sense is not fully derivable from the literal constituents. The adjective 'big' does hint at intensity (a large amount of applause), giving a partial clue, but a B1 learner who only knows 'hand' as a body part or, per the provided definition, a clock pointer, would not reliably infer 'applause' without exposure. Therefore the relation is partly transparent but requires prior knowledge of the idiomatic use.
Etymology
Big hand is a saying that comes from the image of many people clapping. When lots of hands clap together it feels like one very large hand giving praise, so it now means 'enthusiastic applause'.