EMPTY-HANDED

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does empty-handed mean? 

• EMPTY-HANDED (adjective)
  The adjective EMPTY-HANDED has 2 senses:

1. having acquired or gained nothing

2. carrying nothing in the hands

  Familiarity information: EMPTY-HANDED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EMPTY-HANDED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having acquired or gained nothing

Synonyms:

empty-handed; unrewarded

Context example:

the returned from the negotiations empty-handed

Similar:

unsuccessful (not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Carrying nothing in the hands

Similar:

empty (holding or containing nothing)

 Context examples 

Through all her sixteen landward gates there had set for many years a double tide of empty-handed soldiers hurrying Francewards, and of enriched and laden bands who brought their spoils home.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The sea-cook had not gone empty-handed.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

Thank heaven that there were two sane men—Lord John Roxton and myself—to prevent the petulance and folly of our learned Professors from sending us back empty-handed to London.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Faithful to her promise, she either came to see me, or met me somewhere near, once every week, and never empty-handed; but many and bitter were the disappointments I had, in being refused permission to pay a visit to her at her house.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

At least, and at last, I was off the sea, nor had I returned thence empty-handed.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)