out of hand

1. 1
   adjective

   No longer under control, wild and hard to stop.

   Like a small fire that spreads too fast to put out.

   The party got out of hand once the music got too loud.

   Their argument got completely out of hand and the neighbors called.

   Similarunmanageable, uncontrollable, unruly, wild

   Oppositemanageable, controlled

   Note
2. 2
   adverb

   Without stopping to think about it first.

   Like throwing away a letter before you even open it.

   She rejected the offer out of hand and walked away.

   Don't say no out of hand; at least hear the whole plan.

   Similaroffhand

   Note
3. 3
   adverbarchaic

   Right away, with no delay.

   Like answering a question the very moment you hear it.

   She settled the bill out of hand and went on her way.

   The captain gave the order, and the men obeyed out of hand.

   Note

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