Hand in glove
Meaning
To be in extremely close agreement or cooperation, often implying a secret or collusive relationship.
Origin
Imagine the perfect, seamless fit of a well-made glove on a hand; they move as one, without friction or separation. This simple, everyday image gave birth to the idiom, illustrating a relationship of such intimate cooperation or agreement that two parties appear to act as a single entity. The phrase, or similar forms like 'like hand and glove,' emerged into common English usage by the 18th century, gaining particular popularity throughout the 19th century as a vivid shorthand for describing exceptionally close, often conspiratorial, alliances. It captures the essence of a partnership where actions are synchronized, whether for good or ill.
Examples
- The local government and the construction company were working hand in glove, leading to suspicions of corruption.
- Despite their different departments, the marketing and sales teams operated hand in glove to achieve their quarterly targets.