hand out
hand out — idiom
1. to pass things around so that everyone in a place or group receives one.
to pass things around so that everyone in a place or group receives one.
Sora handed out exam papers before the students sat down.
hand out + papers to a group
The nurse handed out masks at the clinic door.
hand out + practical items to people waiting
Tariq handed out bowls of rice after the temple service.
Volunteers handed out maps to visitors near the station.
- distribute
more neutral and common in formal instructions
- pass around
more informal and often used inside a small group
文法句型
hand out + thing + to people
用法筆記
The object is usually something physical such as papers, food, or maps. This sense focuses on putting items into the hands of the people who are present.
2. to give away prizes, money, or other benefits freely, often to many people at on
to give away prizes, money, or other benefits freely, often to many people at once.
The company handed out bonuses after its best sales year.
hand out + bonuses or rewards
At the fair, judges handed out prizes to every winning team.
hand out + prizes in a public event
Cyrus was known for handing out compliments to nervous speakers.
The cafe handed out free cookies on its opening day.
文法句型
hand out + prizes/rewards
用法筆記
Often used when the giver seems generous or even a little lavish. The object is usually a reward, free gift, or some other benefit rather than an ordinary supply.
3. to formally state a decision or punishment, most often as part of a legal case.
to formally state a decision or punishment, most often as part of a legal case.
The judge handed out the sentence after a short pause.
hand out + sentence in court
Reporters waited while the court handed out its ruling.
hand out + ruling by a court
The clerk stood beside the bench as the judge handed out fines.
Families stayed silent when the panel handed out its decision.
文法句型
hand out + sentence/ruling/fine
用法筆記
The subject is usually a judge, court, or official panel. Distinguish this sense from phrasal verb sense 2, which can refer to everyday advice or punishment outside a legal setting.
hand out — phrasal verb
- hand outbase form
- hands out3rd person singular
- handing out-ing form
- handed outpast simple
1. to distribute several copies or objects among a group, often in an orderly way.
to distribute several copies or objects among a group, often in an orderly way.
Christopher handed out the worksheets row by row.
hand out + worksheets in order
Owen handed out name tags before the workshop began.
hand out + supplies before an event
The guide handed out rain ponchos as the clouds grew darker.
At lunch, staff handed out juice boxes and fruit.
- distribute
more formal and often used in instructions
- pass out
common in North American English for giving things to a group
文法句型
hand out + copies/items + to a group
用法筆記
Common in schools, meetings, tours, and other organized settings where copies or supplies are given out to a whole group. It is more task-focused than idiom sense 1.
2. to give someone something such as advice, praise, homework, or a penalty.
to give someone something such as advice, praise, homework, or a penalty.
Ayesha's aunt handed out advice during every family dinner.
hand out + advice
The coach handed out extra laps after the team arrived late.
hand out + punishment
The teacher handed out praise and suggestions after each speech.
The manager handed out warnings after two safety rules were ignored.
文法句型
hand out + advice/homework/punishment
用法筆記
The object is usually something abstract rather than a physical item. It often suggests that the speaker or authority figure is giving judgments, instructions, or consequences.