ɡɛt aʊt əv hænd
General
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To escape from someone's grasp or control
What does "get out of hand" mean?
- To become uncontrollable or unmanageable
- To escalate beyond normal or acceptable limits
Examples
- The party got out of hand when uninvited guests showed up.
- We need to address this issue before it gets out of hand.
- Costs have gotten completely out of hand on this project.
Origin
From the idea of losing physical grip on something, like a horse's reins. Used figuratively since the 17th century.
How to use it
Common expression for situations that escalate beyond control. Often used as a warning or observation.
Similar expressions
spiral out of control
escalate
become unmanageable
Opposites
under control
manageable
contained
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get out of hand" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.