hand-me-down

/'hændmi'daun/

Friendly

Sure! Let’s break down the word "hand-me-down."

Definition:

Hand-me-down (noun and adjective) refers to items (usually clothes) that are given to someone after they have been used by someone else. The items are often passed down because the first person has outgrown them or no longer needs them.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: You can use "hand-me-down" to talk about clothes or items you received from someone else.
• As an adjective: You can describe clothes or items as "hand-me-down" when they have been passed from one person to another.

Examples:

• Noun: "I wore my brother's hand-me-down shoes because they fit me perfectly."
• Adjective: "She is not too proud to wear hand-me-down clothes; she appreciates their value."

Advanced Usage:

In a broader sense, "hand-me-down" can refer to anything passed down from one generation to another, like traditions or stories.

Word Variants:

• Hand-me-downs: This is the plural form. For example, "I received several hand-me-downs from my cousin."
• Hand-me-downs (adjective): You can also say "hand-me-down clothes," meaning clothes that have been used before.

Different Meanings:

While "hand-me-down" primarily refers to clothing, it can also imply something that is second-hand or not the newest or best quality (like a car or furniture).

Synonyms:

• Second-hand
• Used
• Pre-owned

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "hand-me-down," but you might hear phrases like “pass it down” when referring to sharing items or traditions.

Conclusion:

So, "hand-me-down" can be a practical way to save money and get good items, while also showing kindness by sharing things with others.

Academic

Noun

1. outgrown garment passed down from one person to another

Adjective

1. passed on from one person to another
   • not too proud to wear hand-me-down clothes

Synonyms

• hand-down