hand over 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.

Like sailors hoisting a mighty sail, burly stagehands hauled thick ropes hand over hand to roll back the stage curtain, and the performance began.

From Literature

Stafford talked him back in, saying “move your hand over, start to float up … stick your hand up … just walk hand over hand.”

From Seattle Times

Unlike other frogs in the rainforest, these tree dwellers tend not to hop or jump, but to walk hand over hand, strolling through tree canopies — unless presented with a threat.

From Washington Post

Never daring to look around, she pulled herself up the tower, hand over hand, all the time keeping in mind her promise to her parents and the horrible things Count Olaf would do if his villainous plan worked.

From Literature

“We had to move her hand over hand because it was pretty tight and vertical coming out,” Haley said, noting that at one point he and Keene had to slither through mud in a long corkscrew tunnel.

From Washington Post