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Handkerchief

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The committee was at a loss to know whom next to throw the handkerchief to” (The Times). The meaning is that the committee did not know whom they were to ask next to make a speech for them; and the allusion is to the game called in Norfolk “Stir up the dumplings,” and by girls “Kiss in the ring.”

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Hand and Glove (They are)
Hand and Seal
Hand-in-Hand
Hand of Cards
Hand of Justice
Hand over Hand
Hand the Sail
Hand Down to Posterity (To)
Handfasting
Handicap
Handkerchief
Handkerchief and Sword
Handle
Handsome = liberal
Handwriting on the Wall (The)
Handycuffs
Hang Back (To)
Hang Fire (To)
Hang On (To)
Hang Out
Hangdog Look (A)