Barehanded: meaning, definitions and examples

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barehanded

 

[ ˈbɛrˌhændɪd ]

Adjective
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

Translations of the word "barehanded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 a mão nua

🇮🇳 नग्न हाथ

🇩🇪 barfuß

🇮🇩 tangan kosong

🇺🇦 голими руками

🇵🇱 gołymi rękami

🇯🇵 素手で

🇫🇷 à mains nues

🇪🇸 a mano desnuda

🇹🇷 çıplak elle

🇰🇷 맨손으로

🇸🇦 بيد عارية

🇨🇿 holýma rukama

🇸🇰 holými rukami

🇨🇳 赤手空拳

🇸🇮 z golimi rokami

🇮🇸 berum höndum

🇰🇿 жалаң қолмен

🇬🇪 ცივი ხელებით

🇦🇿 çıplaq əllərlə

🇲🇽 a mano desnuda

Etymology

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.