B1idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
a show of hands
USUK
a vote in which people raise their hands
Common in meetings and classrooms. 'Hands' is always plural.
In context
The class chose where to go for the school trip by a show of hands.
Can I have a show of hands? Who wants to finish early today?
Common mistake
Incorrect: Let's decide by a show of hand.
Correct: Let's decide by a show of hands.
More idioms about politics
- a double standarda rule applied more strictly to one group than to another
- a grey areaa situation where the rules are unclear, so nobody is sure what is allowed
- a hidden agendaa secret reason or plan behind what someone says or does
- a hot potatoa difficult issue that people disagree about and nobody wants to deal with
- a lame ducka politician or government with little real power, often near the end of a term in office