"hand in hand" vs "hand to hand"

Question

"hand in hand" vs "hand to hand"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. 'Hand in hand' is a common idiom that means two things or people closely associated or working together. 'Hand to hand' typically refers to physical combat or close-quarters fighting.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a close relationship, cooperation, or coordination between two entities.

Examples:

The couple walked hand in hand along the beach.
The two companies worked hand in hand to complete the project.
Education and technology go hand in hand in today's world.
Hard work and success often go hand in hand.
The siblings played hand in hand in the park.

Alternatives:

side by side
shoulder to shoulder
in collaboration
in tandem
closely associated

This phrase is used to describe combat or fighting that occurs at close range, without the use of weapons or from one person to another.

Examples:

The soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat.
The two wrestlers grappled hand to hand.
The martial arts class practiced hand-to-hand techniques.
The boxers fought hand to hand in the ring.
The knights clashed hand to hand in the tournament.

Alternatives:

close-quarters combat
close-range fighting
melee combat
unarmed combat
close combat

Answer 1

hand in hand

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe two things or people closely associated or working together.

Answer 2

hand to hand

This phrase is correct when referring to physical combat or close-quarters fighting.

"hand in hand" vs "hand to hand"

hand in hand

hand to hand

Related Comparisons