Skip to main content

Difference between Hand-off and Hands-off

hand-off—(Rugby Football) the action of pushing off an opponent with the hand:

  • Gray has a fine kick, with a strong hand-off.

hands-off

1. (of a course of action) characterized by not interfering or getting involved:

  • A protest must be made against this hands-off government policy.

Cf.: hands-on—(of an apprach, training, etc.) involving active participation:

  • There’s no better way to tell if you’re cut out for the work than handson experience.

2. (Technolog y) automatically controlled:

  • Several companies have developed stabilization systems which enable the helicopter to be flown “hands-off.”