By the handful Meaning in English
expression
释义
To do or take something in large amounts, as much as you can hold in your hand at one time. Often used for things like snacks, objects, or tasks done in big quantities.
用法与细微差别
Mainly informal and descriptive; often used with food ('eat candy by the handful'), or objects that can be grabbed. Implies abundance or excess. Not used for liquids or things you can't physically pick up. Collocates with verbs like 'eat', 'grab', 'give out', 'take'.
例句
She ate peanuts by the handful.
basic
He gave out candies by the handful to the children.
basic
You can't just spend money by the handful.
basic
The kids were grabbing popcorn by the handful during the movie.
natural
She pulled weeds by the handful from the garden all morning.
natural
If you keep eating chips by the handful, you'll finish the whole bag in no time.
natural