Phrasal verb
hand over
Meanings
to give something to someone else, especially because you are asked or required to
to transfer responsibility, control, or authority to someone else
to deliver someone to an authority or another group
Definition
To hand over means to give something to someone else, often because it is required or expected.
To hand over means to pass or give an object, responsibility, or control to another person. It is often used when the transfer is official, requested, or part of a process. The focus is on changing who possesses or manages something.
Examples
- I had to hand over my ID at the front desk.
- Could you hand over the remote for a second?
- She refused to hand over the documents until she saw the receipt.
- They will hand over the project to the next team on Monday.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse “hand over” with “hang over” (meaning to remain threatening or to lean above).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.