hands-onadj.
/ˌhan(d)zˈɒn/, U.S. /ˌhæn(d)zˈɑn/ 1.
a. Designating an attitude, policy, etc., characterized by involvement or intervention. Cf. hands off adj. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [adjective] > taking part in some action
participating1881
hands-on1905
1905 Med. Fortn. 25 July 351/2 With our hands-off policy in the western hemisphere, and our hands-on policy in the Eastern hemisphere, we shall one day not far away, meet them [sc. the Japanese]..in war.
1975 Silver City (New Mexico) Daily Press 13 Feb. ii. 6/7 There must be love, not only verbally but physically expressed. Therefore, a ‘hands-on’ attitude is infinitely more successful than a ‘hands-off’ approach.
1988 R. Dole & E. Dole Doles v. 120 Nixon took a hands-on approach when he personally ruled out a strong Republican challenge to..James B. Allen.
1999 Independent (Nexis) 1 Aug. (Features section) 3 Displaying a hands-on attitude towards the press, she has barely been out of the news since the story broke.
2001 C. Hitchens Trial Henry Kissinger (2002) Introd. p. xii We are sure to learn even more about Kissinger's ‘hands-on’ policy in Indochina.
b. Involving or offering active participation in an activity in order to gain practical experience of it; (of experience, training, etc.) practical as opposed to theoretical.In earlier use frequently with reference to the use of computers.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [adjective] > as opposed to theoretical
practica1425
practical?a1425
practive1526
pragmatical1597
active1605
operary1612
operarious1656
practitional1724
unbookish1887
practico-1913
applicational1917
hands-on1960
1960 R. M. Hall Marketing Concepts in Changing Times xxxix. 375 The folks with whom I have worked who have had course work in advertising generally have had very little ‘hands-on’ experience.
1965 E. A. Weiss (title) Programming the IBM 1620: the hands-on approach.
1979 Personal Computer World Nov. 113/3 (advt.) Intensive weekend courses in BASIC including hands-on mini computer operation.
1987 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 18 Feb. 8/6 (advt.) Hands-on marketing workshops.
2011 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 2 Nov. f12/1 She did not have enough hands-on experience.
c. Of a job, role, etc., esp. a managerial one: involving direct experience of routine business or supervision of staff; carried out or overseen directly or personally.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [adjective] > relating to or characterized by acts or deeds > performed or experienced at first hand
hands-on1967
1967 N.Y. Times 4 Dec. 78/1 (advt.) Experienced in hands-on management/marketing of aerospace/weaponry.
1978 Fortune 31 Dec. 48 Through hands-on management and attention to the bottom line, the chief executive who got his job by accident has transformed the company.
1983 Observer 17 Apr. 19/3 By..going for a policy of direct hands-on control, Green is adamant that he can quadruple Tilling's present return on sales.
1990 Inside Sports Dec. 11/1 Hazzard's hands-on approach to his job has given New Jersey a reputation as the strictest state in the country for licensing boxing matches.
2006 New Scientist 20 May 65/2 (advt.) In this hands-on role you will be..coordinating safety recording, reviewing and reporting on both pre and post marketed products.
d. Of a person: having, or willing to gain, practical experience; prepared to become involved in the practical aspects of an activity (esp. a job).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > skilled or experienced > having practical experience
hands-on1971
1971 Wall St. Jrnl. 3 May 12/8 (advt.) Hands on manager... Experienced in new product, market and organization development.
1986 New Yorker 3 Feb. 100/2 Though he has been celebrated for being a hands-on mayor, he explained that he delegated many things to his commissioners.
1996 USA Today 15 Nov. b9/4 (advt.) A world class manufacturer..seeks a seasoned and hands-on professional to provide technical support.
2007 Grazia 9 July 50/1 John was a hands-on dad, doing his fair share of nappy-changing.
2. Of a museum exhibit: that can be handled by the public. Of a museum, display, etc.: containing exhibits of this kind.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [adjective] > of an exhibit: that can be handled
hands-on1969
1966 Ada (Okla.) Evening News 5 Dec. 6/7 (heading) It's ‘Hands On’ Iowa Exhibit for Blind Kids.]
1969 Elem. & Secondary Educ. Amendments II. 850 It is a ‘hands on’ museum, and we want them to use things, wear things, study things.
1984 Tropical Times 21 Mar. 7/2 Admission includes hands-on Science Gallery exhibits.
1998 T. Caulton Hands-on Exhib. v. 85 Children active in photographs..can do much to persuade visitors that the hands-on museum is different from more traditional museums.
2008 N.Y. Times 18 May (T: Style Mag.) 116/2 (advt.) The new Museum will have..‘hands-on’ interactive displays for all ages and an interactive paleo-dig rock wall.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1905