High-handed

Posted by Woodchuck on April 02, 2003

In Reply to: High-handed posted by S. on April 02, 2003

: Hello, I was just hoping some one might know the etymology of the term "high-handed". Thanks in advance for any assistance.

According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, with a high hand is from the french phrase "Faire une chose haut la main."

However, google turned up several christian sites claiming the Hebrew for 'presumptuously' is "with a high hand," meaning open rebellion.

• ...went out with an high hand ESC 04/02/03
  • ...went out with an high hand S. 04/03/03
    • ...went out with an high hand Woodchuck 04/03/03

See also - other French phrases in English.