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hand-holding

hand-holding

5 3.6
Giving close support and guidance to help someone do something new or difficult
  • noun
  • /ˈhændˌhoʊldɪŋ/
translation icon : apoyo cercano
  • The mentor offered invaluable hand-holding during the onboarding process for new employees.
  • a lot of hand-holding
  • need hand-holding
  • a bit of hand-holding

And the next steps from there, I think also with some hand holding, I think we can make that happen.

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Examples

  • They provide a great source of leads, but generally require constant hand-holding and motivation.

    Blog text (12)
  • If you need a lot of hand holding, then go with Acorns, even though the flat fee isn't great.

  • And the next steps from there, I think also with some hand holding, I think we can make that happen.

  • So I, I think, I think we will see this, but it's going to require a lot of hand holding because it's terrifying.

  • This took time, so Jim decided to give up his role of hand-holding his clients.

    Blog text (15)
  • If the client is a first-timer or micromanagement type who needs a lot of hand-holding, the price goes up.

    Blog text (27)
  • You were plopped into a situation with absolutely no hand-holding, no tutorials, and no real idea of what's best or what to do.

    Blog text (16)
  • You don't need to do any hand-holding to help users with installation or updating; that is all handled for you.

    Blog text (17)
  • But it’s a great option if you want more hand-holding and a step-by-step guide to building a long-term business.

    Blog text (6)
  • Many students require a lot of hand-holding when learning to use new software.

Synonyms

helping hand
vshand-holding
31 1.4

Someone who gives support when you need it

focuses on close continuous guidance and reassurance for difficult new tasks
handhold
vshand-holding
6 3.0

A part of something you grab with your hand for support, like a rail

provides close guiding support and reassurance rather than a physical grip
hand-hold
vshand-holding
1 4.8

A thing you can hold for support, or simple help for someone new

offers close personal guidance and reassurance when teaching new tasks

Antonyms

100 3.5

Not caring for someone or something that needs care

18 4.9

Stopping support or care for someone who depends on you

How Supportive

hand-holding
5 3.6
assistance
947 1.0
guidance
248 2.1
advice
1.0

Surface Forms

hand-holding singular
hand-holdings plural

Morphology

hand-holding = hand + holding (transparent) = hand + hold + ing

The meaning 'providing close support or guidance' is a straightforward metaphorical extension of the literal compound 'hand' + 'holding' (gerund), so learners who know the components can readily infer it.

Etymology

Hand-holding comes from the simple parts hand and hold, like taking someone's hand to guide them, so it now means giving very close support or guidance to help someone learn or do something new.