Keeping your hand in

Posted by Lotg (OZ) on August 04, 2004

I recently told my Swedish-Aussie friend that I had to 'keep my hand in'. While she speaks perfectly fluent and almost flawless Australian (with a smigeon of American influence from a past life in America), she'd never heard that term before.

So I explained that it meant I had to remain practiced, familiar, experienced. ie. Even if I'm no longer doing a particular aspect of my job that I used to do - eg. training, I occasionally like to take on a training job - just to 'keep my hand in' - to keep in touch, keep practiced, stay familiar with it, ensure that if I need it again one day, I can just jump back into it.

OK, so that was my explanation, but as for the origins, well I have no idea. I'm guessing it's something to do with cards - as in a card hand - but I really haven't got a clue. So I'd appreciate it if anyone can enlighten me. Thanks

• Keeping your hand in R. Berg 04/August/04
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