"Out of Hand"
Definition
To dismiss something out of hand means to reject it immediately and without any consideration at all.
How to use it
Used when someone refuses to even entertain an idea. It is not just a no — it is a no before they have even thought about it. In the scene, William feels that Anna dismissed the possibility of them being together without giving it a fair chance.
Examples
► "When I suggested taking a break, she rejected it out of hand and kept arguing."
► "The manager dismissed the proposal out of hand without reading a single page."
From the lesson
Notting Hill | The Second Chance Scene
This phrase appears in the Notting Hill | The Second Chance Scene lesson. Open it to watch the scene and download the free worksheet.
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