“Back of one’s hand, to give (someone) the” - To show contempt, to insult. “Here’s the back of my hand to you,” wrote Jonathan Swift (1738), perhaps signifying a challenging farewell. The back of the hand, of course, consists of knuckles, so the expression may once have meant a punch. Similarly, a backhanded compliment is actually malicious in intent. Feels like a verbal knuckle sandwich, doesn’t it?
Related Terms:
- Backhanded compliment – A comment that seems positive but is actually an insult.
- Cold shoulder – To intentionally ignore or snub someone.🍧
- Kick in the teeth – A severe and unexpected insult or setback, akin to a bruised ego delivered orally.
Synonyms:
- Insult
- Offend
- Snub
- Disdain
Antonyms:
- Compliment
- Praise
- Flatter
Quotes and Proverbs:
“Here’s the back of my hand to you!” - Jonathan Swift 📜
“Words cut deeper than swords.” - Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Literary References:
- “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift – Though it’s a satire, this book is rich with instances of verbal contempt and biting wit.
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Elizabeth Bennet’s sharp tongue often serves up backhanded comments!
Song Suggestions:
- “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon – Rich with veiled insults that still sting.
Movie Suggestion:
- “Mean Girls” – A high school dram-edy filled with backhanded compliments and social snubs galore!
Farewell Thought:
“Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think; wield them wisely, for they hold the power to build or destroy.” –Verbalina Insightful
### Which idiom means to show contempt for someone?
- [x] Give someone the back of one’s hand
- [ ] Shake someone’s shoulder
- [ ] Offer someone a bluebird
- [ ] Hand someone a rainbow
> **Explanation:** To give someone the back of one’s hand means to show contempt or insult them.
### A backhanded compliment is actually:
- [x] An insult in disguise
- [ ] A very genuine praise
- [ ] A literal handshake
- [ ] An encouragement
> **Explanation:** A backhanded compliment seems like a compliment, but it’s actually an insult.
### Which literary work is penned by Jonathan Swift?
- [x] Gulliver's Travels
- [ ] War and Peace
- [ ] A Tale of Two Cities
- [ ] The Great Gatsby
> **Explanation:** "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece written by Jonathan Swift.
### Receiving the cold shoulder means:
- [ ] Warm embrace of empathy
- [x] Being deliberately ignored or snubbed
- [ ] Getting a shoulder massage
- [ ] Receiving a heavy gift
> **Explanation:** When someone gets the cold shoulder, they’re being deliberately ignored or snubbed.
### True or False: A ‘kick in the teeth’ is a pleasant surprise.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** A ‘kick in the teeth’ is a harsh insult or a major setback, definitely not a pleasant surprise!
