at the hands of

Definitions

By the actions of (someone).

Equivalents

Examples

“By 1859, D. Morier Evans was exhibiting [George] Hudson as the principal character in his rogues' gallery entitled "Facts, Failures and Frauds"; and at the hands of modern economic historians he has been written down as a common swindler.”

“It also does not help⟳ that one of the main causes of Chelsea's current plight is the scattergun strategy and madcap transfer⟳ spree from their owners that has taken them to 11th in the Premier League and now out of the Champions League at the hands of the ruthless holders, who are always happy to apply⟳ brutal reality to any romantic notions.”

CEFR level