to lend a helping hand
6
2.7
- idiom
- Informal
:
echar una mano
- During the community service event, many volunteers came out to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Examples
-
All of us at WOMMA are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Blog text (26) -
If you happen to see her doing something that you don't think is good for the practice, just step in, lend a helping hand.
-
It's time for me to lend a helping hand here...
-
So what is wrong with the United Nations lending a helping hand on these matters?
Academic text (1996) -
I have known them for quite some time, and they are always the first to lend a helping hand and offer support!
Blog text (28) -
When individuals feel competent in their jobs, they are more likely to lend a helping hand overall.
Academic text (2006) -
Through November 14th, all clubs and staff will be opening their arms and doors to lend a helping hand.
Blog text (32) -
It's so wonderful and inspiring that people like you are lending a helping hand and a warm hug to those in need.
Blog text (9) -
Similarly, those in attendance are urged to lend a helping hand to the new union.
Academic text (2001) -
More and more civilians from the vehicles bottlenecked on the jammed highway were rushing forward to lend a helping hand.
Fiction book (1996)
Synonyms
707
1.8
To help someone with something or to clap to show appreciation
605
1.0
To help someone by making a task easier
499
1.0
To do part of a task for someone who has trouble doing it
486
1.0
To do something for someone who cannot do it alone
438
1.0
To give someone support to do a task
182
1.3
Give someone support with a task or problem when they need it
28
1.3
To help someone with a task
28
2.7
To give help to someone during a difficult time
27
5.1
To make no effort to help
21
2.9
Make someone or something move forward faster
16
3.1
To help someone who is in trouble or danger
14
3.4
Arrive to help someone who is in trouble
5
2.9
To give help to people and countries in need
5
2.9
To offer help or friendship by reaching out your hand to someone
3
3.1
To help someone when they are in trouble
2
3.7
To help someone a lot with a task or project
1
9.6
To give help to someone in a difficult or dangerous time
Antonyms
How Helpful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'lend' (to give/offer) with the readily interpretable noun phrase 'helping hand' (hand used metonymically for assistance), so its meaning 'offer assistance' is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional, cross-linguistically common pattern makes the expression immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner who knows the words 'lend', 'help', and 'hand'.
Etymology
Lend a helping hand comes from the simple image of lend meaning to give for a short time and hand being the hand you offer to someone in need. Imagine putting out your hand to help lift a person or carry a heavy box; that's why the phrase means 'to offer help'.