out of hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We reject out of hand the proposition that such acts are justifiable.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

In short, everything got out of hand quickly and weirdly, but such is life in America 250 years after its founding.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

"It was a childish escapade that got out of hand very quickly with tragic consequences," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

You can easily believe that the often stupid conflicts examined by executive producers and directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford could get out of hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Before Arthur had started his life’s work, a man accusing the Queen of anything would have been executed out of hand.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White