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empty–handed
adjective emp·ty–hand·ed \ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd\
: without having, carrying, or bringing anything
Full Definition of EMPTY-HANDED
1
: having or bringing nothing
2
: having acquired or gained nothing <came back empty–handed>
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First Known Use of EMPTY-HANDED
1589
EMPTY-HANDED Defined for Kids
empty–handed
adjective emp·ty–hand·ed \ˌemp-tē-ˈhan-dəd\
Definition of EMPTY-HANDED for Kids
1
: not carrying or bringing anything <I can't show up at the party empty-handed.>
2
: having gotten or gained nothing <He left the contest empty-handed.>
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