empty-handed
Americanadjective
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having nothing in the hands, as in doing no work.
While we were carrying out the luggage, he stood by empty-handed.
-
having gained nothing.
to return from a quest empty-handed.
-
bringing no gift, donation, etc..
They came to the birthday party empty-handed.
adjective
-
carrying nothing in the hands
-
having gained nothing
they returned from the negotiations empty-handed
Etymology
Origin of empty-handed
First recorded in 1605–15
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.
Rising star Young did not leave empty-handed, picking up best breakthrough artist while Wolf Alice snagged group of the year.
From Barron's
I was empty-handed, having thrown away the sack full of sawdust.
From Literature
Of course, having left Stade de France empty-handed before failing to secure a bonus point in the win over Italy, Ireland know another loss would dash their title hopes for another year.
From BBC
Now everything rests on this year's slalom showdown, with the risk that skiing superstars Shiffrin and Vonn both leave Italy empty-handed.
From Barron's
My sister is searching her own wallet, but she comes up empty-handed.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
