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Third Hand

What Does "Third Hand" Mean?

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"Third hand" is an English idiom. It describes an item that is used, passed down, or acquired from someone else, often indirectly.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "third hand" used in a sentence:
  • She received the antique chair as a third-hand family heirloom.
  • This laptop is third hand; it belonged to my friend's friend before I got it.
  • Sometimes, third-hand information can be unreliable because it has passed through multiple sources.
meaning for third hand

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Third Hand" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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