Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hold-up-your-hands

phrase
/hoʊld ʌp jɔr hændz/
Definition
To raise one’s hands in a gesture of surrender or to signal something to others.
Examples
  • During the robbery, the cashier had to hold up her hands to show she wasn’t armed.
  • When the teacher asked a question, the students quickly held up their hands to answer.
Meaning
An expression typically used when someone wants to indicate they are defenseless or to communicate that they are not a threat.
Synonyms
  • raise your hands
  • surrender
  • submit