noun

hand

Practical help with carrying out work.

My neighbor gives me a hand with the heavy boxes.

Etymology

The body part stands for the work it performs. Giving a hand means contributing practical labor or assistance to another person’s task.

More examples

  • Do you need a hand setting up the tables?
  • We could use an extra hand in the kitchen.
  • The farm hires two extra hands during the harvest.

Forms

hand · hands

Similar words

help
Help is broader, covering practical tasks and emotional support.
assistance
Assistance sounds more formal and can include advice or money.