Yaseen Perez Gomez guides Arian Iznaga of Cuba around the track in the men's 200m, T11 race. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Today's Phrase
To give someone a hand means to give someone assistance or help.
For example:
I’m really finding my homework difficult. Can you give me a hand?
Look at all the washing up! I really need someone to give me a hand!
Louise is so kind – she's always ready to give you a hand with anything.
Don't confuse it with
To 'go hand in hand' means two things are connected to or associated with each other.
For example:
Maths and science go hand in hand – they're related subjects.
When watching a film, the images and sound go hand in hand.
Interesting fact
In the Paralympics, blind and partially sighted runners can compete with a guide. Usually tethered to the athlete by a rope, the guide talks throughout the race, explaining to the athlete where they are on the track, flagging up bends and making a call on whether or not the athlete should accelerate, hold the pace or relax. The golden rule of guide running is not to cross the line before the athlete, a crime punishable by disqualification.
