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Hand in glove

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

In extremely close cooperation, coordination, or collusion, as if hand and glove fit perfectly together; often implies a secretive, intimate, or mutually advantageous alliance where parties work seamlessly, sometimes with an air of conspiracy.

Detailed Definition
"Hand in glove" signifies an extremely close, cooperative, and often secretive or collusive partnership, where two entities function with perfect alignment, as if hand and glove were made for each other. Its intimate, tactile imagery—the glove fitting snugly over the hand—conveys not only harmony but also a degree of concealment, as the glove hides the hand's movements, lending an air of conspiracy or privileged alliance. In narrative poetry, this phrase often describes political cabals, criminal duos, or lovers whose unity is so seamless that they operate as a single will, which can be celebrated or condemned depending on context. Dramatists-turned-poets use it to develop character relationships, showing who is allied against whom. Its lyrical rhythm (iambic-trochaic mix) offers flexibility, and its concrete sensory detail invites extended glove metaphors—protective, formal, or concealing. Poets may subvert it by showing the glove slipping or the hand changing, indicating the end of an alliance. Thus, it serves as a versatile shorthand for exploring the dynamics of coalition, trust, and the boundaries between public and private selves.
Example
Example in poetry:
"In a masterful poem, sound and sense go hand in glove, so that the music of the words reinforces their meaning."; "The poet's imagery and emotional tone go hand in glove, creating a unified mood that pervades the entire work."; "For the sonneteer, strict meter and natural speech rhythm must go hand in glove to avoid sounding forced or mechanical."; "In ekphrastic poetry, the visual description and the speaker's reflection go hand in glove, blending observation with interpretation."; "The critic argued that in the poet's best work, personal experience and universal theme go hand in glove, resonating with both intimacy and grandeur."
Additional Notes
"Hand in glove" denotes close alliance. Usage tip: Secrecy or harmony. Related: "in cahoots." Examines partnerships.
Also Known As
in close cooperation in collusion intimately tightly in partnership closely allied
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