Barehanded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barehanded

[หˆbษ›rหŒhรฆndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

manual action

Barehanded refers to a method of doing something without the use of tools or protective gear. It often implies using one's hands alone to perform a task, especially one that might conventionally require assistance or equipment. Commonly, it is used in contexts like barehanded fishing or fighting. The term emphasizes the idea of raw, unprotected interaction with an object or situation.

Synonyms

bare, naked, unprotected.

Examples of usage

  • He caught the fish barehanded.
  • They fought barehanded during the argument.
  • She picked the berries barehanded.
  • The kids played barehanded in the mud.

Translations

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Origin of 'barehanded'

The word 'barehanded' has its roots in the Old English word 'bera' meaning 'bear or bare', combined with 'hand', originating from the Germanic languages. The prefix 'bare' signifies 'devoid of covering', while 'hand' refers to the human appendage. The concept of acting 'barehanded' can be traced back through various cultures where the use of hands in techniques for hunting, gathering, or physical confrontation was common. The term has evolved to not only describe physical action but also a metaphorical sense of engaging with a situation or challenge without support or tools. Over the years, it has found its place in idiomatic expressions, often highlighting a more basic or primal approach to tasks or confrontations.