go hand in hand

Meaning

This expression describes two things that are closely connected, where one frequently leads to, accompanies, or is closely related to the other. It suggests that they cannot easily be separated. The tone is neutral, often used to explain natural connections in life, work, or science.

Examples

• In many creative jobs, passion and hard work go hand in hand.

  In many creative jobs, passion and hard work go hand in hand.

• Good nutrition and regular exercise go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle.

  Good nutrition and regular exercise go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle.

• Unfortunately, fame and a lack of privacy often go hand in hand.

  Unfortunately, fame and a lack of privacy often go hand in hand.

• With this new position, increased responsibility will go hand in hand with a higher salary.

  With this new position, increased responsibility will go hand in hand with a higher salary.

• Economic growth and environmental protection should go hand in hand.

  Economic growth and environmental protection should go hand in hand.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Success and hard work go hand to hand.

  ✓ Success and hard work go hand in hand.

  The correct idiom is 'hand in hand'. 'Hand-to-hand' is only used to describe close-quarters fighting.

• ✗ A healthy diet goes hand in hand to regular exercise.

  ✓ A healthy diet goes hand in hand with regular exercise.

  When explicitly connecting two items using this phrase, use the preposition 'with', not 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• In parenting, patience and consistency must ___.

  💡 Be closely linked together

  Show answer

  go hand in hand

• For many people, stress and poor sleep quality ___.

  💡 Happen together naturally

  Show answer

  go hand in hand