A baby touches the face of US president Barack Obama during a campaign visit to the Iowa State Fair. Photo: Carolyn Kaster
Today's Phrase
If someone is hands-on it means they are closely and actively involved in the organisation and carrying out of a task. An activity can also be described as hands-on if there is practical participation.
For example:
Our shop manager is really hands-on. She gets involved with everything from serving customers to stocking shelves.
On our training course, you'll get hands-on experience of using graphic design packages.
I hope that the new headmaster will be more hands-on in the school and get involved in teaching the children.
Don't confuse it with
If you shout "hands off" to someone, it means you don't want them to touch something.
For example:
Hey! Hands off my new mp3 player – you'll break it!
Interesting fact
US President Barack Obama visited the Iowa State Fair this week and delighted some visitors by buying them a bottle of beer. The president bought ten beer tokens and proceeded to hand them out to the crowd as part of his election campaign tour. The next US presidential election will take place on 6th November 2012.
