"in my hands" vs "on my hands"

Question

"in my hands" vs "on my hands"

Both "in my hands" and "on my hands" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In my hands" is used when something is physically held or contained within the hands, while "on my hands" is used to describe something that is physically on the surface of the hands.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used when something is physically held or contained within the hands.

Examples:

I have the key in my hands.
She placed the book gently in my hands.
The sand slipped through my hands.
The responsibility is in my hands.
I feel the warmth of the cup in my hands.

Alternatives:

in my possession
held by me
within my grasp
under my control
within my reach

This phrase is used to describe something that is physically on the surface of the hands.

Examples:

There is paint on my hands.
I have a ring on my hands.
She put lotion on my hands.
There are cuts on my hands.
I feel the weight of the world on my hands.

Alternatives:

on my palms
on my skin
on the back of my hands
covering my hands
resting on my hands

Answer 1

in my hands

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

on my hands

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in my hands" vs "on my hands"

in my hands

on my hands

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