Choose the option that best complete the gap (s) The police described the boy as being.....hand

Analyze the question: The sentence is "The police described the boy as being ..... hand." We need a phrase that fits before "hand" and makes sense when describing a boy who is troublesome.

Explain the concept: This is an idiom question. The expression "out of hand" means "out of control" or "unruly." It is commonly used to describe a child or situation that has become difficult to manage.

Test the options:

• A. "over at hand": not an idiom.
• B. "out of hand": a correct idiom meaning uncontrollable or unruly.
• C. "on by hand": not an idiom.
• D. "up to hand": not a standard idiom. ("To hand" means within reach, and "up to" does not fit here.)

Solution: The police described the boy as being out of hand, meaning he was unruly and beyond control.

Tip: Remember these "hand" idioms for exams:

• out of hand: out of control
• in hand: under control
• at hand: near or available
• on hand: available
• hand in glove: working closely together

Picture control slipping out of your hand. That helps you remember the meaning.