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[0376] Lend a hand

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To offer or provide assistance or help, often with a physical task.

Origin

  • Literal. Offering one's physical hand to help someone, such as helping them stand up or carry something.
  • The phrase dates back to at least the 17th century.
  • It emphasizes practical, often physical, support.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Give a hand (Very similar, slightly more common in UK/Aus/NZ)
  • Help out
  • Assist
  • Pitch in
  • Chip in (Often implies contributing effort to a group task)
  • Do someone a favor

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Give us a hand (Common casual form, esp. UK/Aus/NZ)
  • Help a brother/sister out? (Casual, can sound a bit dated or overly familiar)
  • Spot me? (Usually for minor assistance like lifting weights or a small amount of money)

More Formal:

  • Could I request your assistance?
  • Would you be able to assist me?
  • May I offer my assistance?
  • Help would be appreciated.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to neutral.
  • Suitable for most everyday situations and many informal workplace interactions (e.g., helping a colleague).

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally straightforward due to its literal roots.
  • Ensure the context clarifies what kind of help is involved.

Examples

  • Could you lend a hand moving this sofa?
  • She always lends a hand when her neighbors need help with gardening.
  • Let me lend a hand with those groceries.

Dialogue

Maria: (Struggling with several bags) Ugh, these are heavier than I thought.

Tom: Need someone to lend a hand there?

Maria: Oh, would you? That would be wonderful, thank you!

Tom: No problem at all. Let me take a couple of those.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Moving day! Could really use some friends to lend a hand with the big stuff. Pizza and eternal gratitude offered! #moving #helpneeded
  • Facebook Post: Huge thank you to everyone who lent a hand at the community park cleanup today! It looks amazing. #volunteer #communityspirit

Response Patterns

  • (If asked for help): Sure, no problem. / Of course, what do you need? / Absolutely. / Sorry, I can't right now.
  • (If offered help): Oh, thanks, that would be great! / Thank you, I appreciate it! / No, it's okay, I've got it, thanks.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After being asked:

  • The person asked might inquire further (Sure, what exactly do you need help with?) before starting.
  • Or they might just start assisting.

After offering:

  • The offerer might ask, What can I do to help?

After receiving help:

  • Expressing thanks, like Thanks for lending a hand! or I really appreciate the help.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Usually used when help is actively needed or being offered in a specific situation.

Intonation

  • Typically, stress falls on LEND and HAND.
  • Could you LEND a HAND?
  • When offering, stress might be mainly on LEND: LEND a hand?

Generation Differences

  • Common and understood across all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.
  • Give a hand is a very common alternative, especially outside North America.
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