Give a holler

[0198] Lend a hand

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To help someone, usually with a physical task or effort.
  • To offer or provide assistance.

Origin

  • Literal and ancient.
  • Offering one's physical hand to help someone (e.g., pull them up, carry something).
  • It symbolizes providing physical support and assistance.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Give a hand. (Very similar, perhaps slightly more common in UK/Aus)
  • Help out.
  • Assist. (More formal)
  • Pitch in. (Implies joining a group effort)
  • Help. (The basic verb)
  • Do someone a solid. (Informal, general favor)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Need a spot? (Often used in weightlifting, but can extend to other help)
  • Wanna hand? (Very casual shortening)
  • Help a brother/sister out? (Casual camaraderie)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Not typically used when offering help.
  • When expressing frustration about *being asked* for help: Fine, I'll give you a fucking hand!

Milder/Standard:

  • Can I help you with that?
  • Do you need any assistance? (More formal)
  • Would you like some help?

Situational Appropriateness

  • Widely appropriate in informal and semi-formal contexts.
  • Suitable for offering or requesting help among friends, family, neighbors, colleagues.
  • Generally perceived as friendly and collaborative.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Very unlikely to be misunderstood.
  • Its meaning is quite literal and universally recognized.

Examples

  • Can you lend a hand carrying this sofa?
  • She always lends a hand when her neighbors are gardening.
  • Do you need me to lend a hand with the dishes?

Dialogue

David: (Struggling to lift a box) Ugh, this is heavier than I thought.

Maria: Hey David, need someone to lend a hand?

David: Oh, Maria! Yes, please! That would be amazing.

Maria: No problem. Where are we taking it?

Social Media Examples

  • Facebook Community Group: Elderly neighbor needs help with yard work this weekend. Anyone available to lend a hand for an hour? #CommunitySupport #Volunteer
  • Tweet: Massive thanks to the kind stranger who lent a hand when I dropped all my groceries! #GoodSamaritan

Response Patterns

To an offer (Need a hand?):

  • Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful.
  • Yes, please, if you don't mind.
  • Thanks, I really appreciate it.
  • No, I'm okay, but thank you for offering!

To a request (Can you lend a hand?):

  • Sure, what do you need?
  • Of course! Happy to help.
  • Just tell me what to do.
  • Sorry, I can't right now, I'm in the middle of something.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After accepting help (Yes, please):

  • The person needing help usually gives instructions (Could you hold this end?).

After offering help (Need a hand?):

  • The helper waits for instructions or starts assisting if the task is obvious.

After agreeing to help (Sure, what do you need?):

  • The helper usually starts the task or asks for specific direction.

Conversation Starter

  • Yes.
  • Offering to lend a hand is a common way to initiate interaction by being helpful.

Intonation

  • Friendly, helpful tone.
  • Even stress, perhaps slightly more on lend and hand.
  • If asking a question (Can you LEND a HAND?), rising intonation at the end.
  • If offering (Need someone to LEND a HAND?), can be rising or falling.

Generation Differences

  • Timeless expression.
  • Used and understood by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Standard across all major English-speaking regions.
  • Give a hand is a very common alternative, especially outside North America.
Give a holler
🎲 I'm all ears