OUT OF HAND

{adv. phr.} 1. Out of control. * /Bobby's birthday party got out of hand and the children were naughty./ * /Small puppies often get out of hand./ 2. Suddenly, quickly without examination of possible truth or merit; without any consideration. - Often used after "dismiss" or "reject". * /The senator rejected out of hand the critics' call for his resignation./ Compare: OUT OF LINE. Contrast: IN HAND.