PhrasesHub

One hand washes the other

    Definitions

      • mutual benefit
        Expresses the idea that two people or parties can help each other and both benefit from the cooperation

      • reciprocity
        Indicates that a favor or kind action will be returned in kind

    Examples of One hand washes the other

    • During the job interview, the candidate praised the company's reputation in the industry, hoping that it would in turn secure them a job offer.

      This idiom, "One hand washes the other," is used to describe a situation in which two parties exchange favorable actions or benefits as a mutual agreement. In this example, the candidate's positive words about the company were a favorable action, and the potential job offer was the benefit that they hoped to receive in return.

    • The wealthy businessman donated a large sum of money to the local school, expecting to receive favorable coverage in the news for his philanthropy.

      In this example, the businessman's donation was a favorable action, and the positive news coverage was the benefit that he hoped to receive in return.

    • In order to secure a partnership with a large corporation, my small business provided them with exclusive access to our products for a limited time.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used in a business context. In this scenario, my small business' favorable action (providing the large corporation with exclusive access to our products) was expected to result in the benefits of securing a partnership with a well-known corporation.

    • My friend helped me move all of my furniture into my new apartment, and in return, I promised to help her move in a few weeks when she found a new place.

      In this last example, the idiom can be seen in a more personal context. My friend's labor during the moving process was a favorable action, and I promised to return the favor by helping her move in the future. This demonstrates how the idiom can be used to show that favors and benefits are often exchanged between individuals as a mutual agreement.

    • A is a successful businessman, and B is his accountant. Although A pays B for his services, B also provides A with financial advice that helps him make important decisions for his business. In this context, one hand (A's financial support) washes the other (B's financial expertise).

      The idiom "one hand washes the other" means that two people help each other out, with each person benefiting from the other in some way. It implies that there is a mutual relationship between the two parties. Here, A and B complement each other and their cooperation is mutually beneficial. This idiom can be used to describe any situation where two people provide each other with something of value, and where both parties acknowledge the contribution made by the other.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "one hand washes the other" is used to convey the concept of mutual benefit and reciprocity. It suggests that when two parties work together or help each other, both will benefit from the cooperation. The idiom emphasizes the idea that by assisting one another, both parties can achieve positive outcomes and receive assistance in return.

    The phrase is often used to encourage cooperation and collaboration, highlighting the idea that by working together, individuals or groups can achieve more than they could on their own. It also serves as a reminder that being helpful and supportive can lead to reciprocal acts of kindness and assistance.

    Overall, "one hand washes the other" is a simple yet powerful way to convey the importance of mutual aid and reciprocity in relationships and interactions.

    Origin of "One hand washes the other"

    The origin of the idiom "one hand washes the other" can be traced back to the concept of reciprocity and mutual benefit. The expression likely originated from the observation that when two people work together to accomplish a task, they can help each other and both benefit from the combined effort.

    The idiom may have its roots in the traditional practice of communal activities, where individuals would work together to achieve a common goal, such as washing clothes or performing other household tasks. The idea that one hand helps the other in completing a task likely gave rise to the idiom as a metaphor for mutual assistance and cooperation.

    Over time, the phrase has become a popular way to convey the importance of reciprocity and mutual benefit in various contexts, serving as a reminder of the value of working together and helping one another.