PhrasesHub

Talk to the hand

    Definitions

      • Dismissal or rejection
        To indicate that you are not interested in what someone is saying or that you do not want to listen to them

      • Disbelief or incredulity
        To express skepticism or disbelief in response to something someone has said

    Examples of Talk to the hand

    • The salesperson ignored my questions and kept talking, so I said, "Talk to the hand because the face ain't listening!"

      This is a dismissive statement used when someone is being ignored. It is telling the person to focus on the speaker's hand as a gesture, as the speaker's face is no longer listening to them due to the previous interruption.

    • My friend doesn't want to hear my opinion on this matter, so I told her, "Talk to the hand 'cause the ear's screwed on tight!"

      This idiom is used when someone is being stubborn about listening to what you have to say. It is implying that the other person's ear is closed off, and the hand is being used to gesture the unwillingness to listen.

    • The client was not interested in what I had to say during the meeting, and I found myself saying, "Sorry, you're talking to the hand here."

      This phrase is used when someone is being ignored or dismissed during a conversation. It is a way to show frustration and let the person know that one's words are falling on deaf ears.

    • My sister kept interrupting me while I was trying to explain something, so I stopped mid-sentence and snapped, "Actually, I'm talking to the hand right now!"

      This is a humorous way of telling someone that they need to stop interrupting you and let you finish talking. It humorously implies that the speaker's hand is the one that should be listening, as the other person's ears are not heeded.

    • You keep making excuses and refusing to listen to our suggestions, so quite frankly, I'm done wasting my breath. Talk to the hand because the face isn't listening anymore.

      This is an example of using the idiom "talk to the hand" in a direct and assertive way to convey that the person being addressed is being unreasonable and unwilling to cooperate, and that further attempts at persuasion are pointless. The gesture of pointing to the hand as if it were a substitute for one's face highlights the speaker's frustration and exasperation.

    • I've tried to discuss the matter with you rationally, but you seem to be stuck in your ways. Unless you're willing to change your mindset, I suggest you talk to the hand because I'm done entertaining your close-mindedness.

      This is an instance of using the idiom "talk to the hand" in a less aggressive tone, with a more polite and indirect approach. It implies that the person addressed has become obstinate and uncompromising, and that further dialogue may not yield any fruitful results. The phrase "close-mindedness" is used to provide context and underline the speaker's perception of the other person's attitude.

    • The deadline has passed, and you still haven't submitted your work. I've given you numerous chances, but it's time to face the consequences. Unfortunately, the hand is the only part of your body left that's listening.

      This use of the idiom "talk to the hand" carries a tone of disappointment and resignation, suggesting that the person being addressed has repeatedly failed to fulfill their obligations, and that any further conversations about the matter would be futile. The phrase "the only part of your body left that's listening" is emphasizing the direness of the situation, at the same time implying that the speaker has reached the end of their tolerance.

    • I've tried my best to reason with you, but your stubbornness knows no bounds. I'd rather deal with a brick wall than talk to the hand any longer.

      This is an example of a creative and unconventional usage of the idiom "talk to the hand". It reflects the speaker's frustration and exasperation at reaching an impasse, where further attempts at communication seem hopeless. By comparing the person being addressed to an inanimate object, the speaker is implying that they are dealing with someone who is completely unresponsive and unyielding.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "talk to the hand" is used to dismiss or reject someone, often in a rude or dismissive manner. It can also be used to express disbelief or skepticism. In both cases, it conveys the message that the speaker does not want to engage in the conversation or does not believe what the other person is saying.

    The idiom is often used in a playful or sarcastic way, but it can also be used more seriously to shut down a conversation or express frustration with someone. It is typically used in informal or casual settings and may be considered rude or disrespectful in certain contexts.

    Origin of "Talk to the hand"

    The origin of the idiom "talk to the hand" can be traced back to the 1990s, when it gained popularity in American popular culture. It is believed to have originated from African American slang and was popularized by the character Martin Payne on the sitcom "Martin." The phrase became widely used in the 1990s and has since become a common part of modern English vernacular.

    The idiom is often associated with a dismissive or sassy attitude, and its origins in popular culture have contributed to its widespread use in informal communication. It is often used in a humorous or lighthearted way, but it can also be used to convey a more serious message of rejection or disbelief. Overall, the origin of the idiom "talk to the hand" reflects its modern usage as a dismissive or incredulous expression.