Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hold someone's life in your hands
idiom
hohld sum-wuhn’s lahyf in yo͞or hands
Definition
To be in a position where you have significant influence or control over someone else’s fate or well-being.
Examples
- A surgeon holds the patient’s life in their hands during surgery.
- As the rescue team member, you hold the climber’s life in your hands while performing the rescue.
- In a leadership role, you may often find that you hold your team’s life in your hands during critical projects.
Meaning
This phrase indicates a scenario where one person’s decisions can directly affect the safety or future of another person, often implying a moral or ethical responsibility.
Synonyms
- have someone’s fate in your hands
- control someone’s destiny
- be responsible for someone’s well-being
