hand over

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle over

Meanings

1

Give something to someone, especially with formality

Why “over”? Something moves from one person or side to another.

Hand over the keys.
Give me the keys formally.
The driver handed over his licence.
The driver gave his licence to someone in authority.
Hand over your weapons.
Surrender your weapons by giving them to me.
2

Surrender control or power to someone else

The CEO handed over to her successor.
The CEO transferred control to her successor.
The chair handed over to the new treasurer.
The chair transferred control to the new treasurer.

Don't confuse with

hand overhand off

Hand over means give something to someone, especially with formality. Hand off means pass responsibility or a task to someone else.

Test yourself

Hand over the keys. What does it mean?

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