Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for succeeding in the IELTS exam, especially when aiming for a high band score. Idioms like “hand over fist” not only enrich your language but also make your writing and speaking more engaging. In this article, we delve deep into the idiom “hand over fist”, explore its meanings, usage in different contexts, and provide practical examples to help you master it.
What Does “Hand Over Fist” Mean?
“Hand over fist” is an idiom primarily used to describe rapid and substantial gains, typically in the context of money or business. It is a metaphor drawn from nautical terminology, where pulling ropes hand over hand was a fast way to draw in lots of line quickly. Below are some key aspects of the idiom:
- Pronunciation: /hænd ˈoʊvər fɪst/
- Type of word: Idiomatic phrase
- Meaning: To do something very quickly and in large quantities, often relating to making money.
Synonyms and Related Terms
To fully grasp “hand over fist”, it’s also useful to understand terms related to it. Here are some synonyms and related phrases, complete with their explanations and usage in sentences:
- Rapidly (adv): Very quickly; with great speed.
- At a good clip (idiom): Moving or increasing quickly.
- Booming (adj): Experiencing rapid growth or success.
- Prospering (v): Doing well financially.
- Flourishing (adj): Thriving in terms of growth and success.
- Raking it in (phrasal verb): Making a lot of money.
Example Sentences:
- Our company is booming, with revenues increasing hand over fist.
- She’s been raking it in, gaining profits hand over fist.
Let’s break down the usage of “hand over fist” with some specific examples:
Analyzing the Usage of “Hand Over Fist” in IELTS
Meaning and Pronunciation
Understanding the intended meaning when hearing or reading this idiom is crucial for the IELTS Listening and Reading sections. For IELTS Writing and Speaking, correct usage can demonstrate high-level language skills.
Popularity in IELTS Exams
- Writing Task 2: “Hand over fist” can be used to discuss economic growth, business income, or financial success.
- Speaking: You might use this idiom when describing someone’s business success or rapid increases in figures.
Practical Examples and Detailed Explanations
1. Sentence Construction:
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The company has been making money hand over fist thanks to the new product launch.
Explanation: This sentence highlights rapid financial success due to a new product introduction.
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Despite economic downturns, some tech startups have been earning profits hand over fist.
Explanation: It shows contrast by illustrating that certain companies thrive even during tough economic times.
2. IELTS Writing:
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In an essay discussing economic development:
“With the advent of advanced technology, many businesses are seeing profits increase hand over fist.”Explanation: Using this idiom demonstrates a high level of vocabulary and the ability to use idiomatic expressions effectively.
3. IELTS Speaking:
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In Part 2, when asked to describe a successful business person:
“I admire Elon Musk because his companies continue to make money hand over fist through innovative products.”Explanation: Adds a natural, native-like quality to the speech, reflecting strong command of English.
Combining “Hand Over Fist” with Other Vocabulary
Idioms often play well with other advanced vocabulary, enhancing the richness of your language. Here are examples combining “hand over fist” with other terms:
1. Financial Terminology:
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“The startup is growing hand over fist, thanks to significant investments and strategic market positioning.”
Vocabulary: investments, strategic, market positioning
2. Economic Growth Discussion:
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“Countries with robust technological sectors have been thriving hand over fist in the global economy.”
Vocabulary: robust, technological sectors, global economy
3. Corporate Success Narratives:
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“Despite the pandemic, certain industries have reported earning revenues hand over fist due to the shift to digital solutions.”
Vocabulary: pandemic, industries, revenues, digital solutions
Related Idioms and Expressions
To broaden your idiomatic expressions, here are some additional phrases related to “hand over fist”:
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Burning the midnight oil: Working late into the night.
- “He burned the midnight oil to ensure the project was completed on time.”
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Bite off more than you can chew: Taking on more responsibility than one can handle.
- “By accepting multiple large projects, she bit off more than she could chew.”
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Make a killing: Earn a lot of money.
- “The young entrepreneur made a killing with her new app.”
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Bring home the bacon: To earn a living or succeed financially.
- “As the sole provider, she works hard to bring home the bacon.”
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In the black: Making money; financially solvent.
- “Thanks to increased sales, the company is finally in the black.”
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Strike it rich: Become suddenly and unexpectedly rich.
- “He struck it rich with his investment in cryptocurrency.”
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Turn a profit: Make a profit.
- “After struggling for years, the small business has finally started to turn a profit.”
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Cash in: Benefit financially.
- “He decided to cash in on the opportunity and invest in real estate.”
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Money-spinner: Something that generates a lot of money.
- “The new software has become a real money-spinner for the company.”
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Profit margins: The difference between the cost of producing something and its selling price.
- “They have increased their profit margins by reducing production costs.”
Conclusion
Mastering idiomatic expressions like “hand over fist” can significantly elevate your IELTS performance, adding depth and nuance to your language use. Remember to practice these idioms in context and vary your vocabulary to make your writing and speaking stand out.
By understanding and applying the insights shared in this article, you’ll be better prepared for various sections of the IELTS exam, demonstrating a high level of proficiency that can impress examiners.
Keep studying, applying these phrases in context, and soon you will see your language skills improve hand over fist!