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Definition

A display of disrespect or scorn.

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In Context

  • ""Out upon ye, Mr. Saddletree!" exclaimed David, . . . "out upon your General Assembly, and the back of my hand to your Court o' Session!""
  • "[A]nd the back of my hand to them that have come in the way, bringin' sorrow, an' desolation, an' misery on gentlefolks."
  • "'And have you nothing for me, duckie?' 'O, you! The back of my hand to you!' said Mrs Kernan tartly."
  • ""As I said, Truman showed him the back of his hand rather than any desire to cooperate.""
  • "When German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2009 invited him to come to Berlin to help celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, Mr. Obama gave her the back of his hand."
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See Also

  • know like the back of one's hand
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Related Idioms

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A very difficult situation with no beneficial options available for ac…

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