stand hand in hand

The Spanish phrase 'estar mano sobre mano' is an idiomatic expression which directly translates to 'to be hand over hand' in English. However, as an idiomatic expression, this phrase doesn't translate directly and is better understood as 'to be sitting doing nothing or to be idle'. It is often used to describe someone who is not taking action when they could or should be.

Example sentences using: estar mano sobre mano

Después de un largo día de trabajo, decidí estar mano sobre mano en casa.

After a long day at work, I decided to do nothing at home.

This phrase conveys the idea of relaxing or being idle after a tiring day.

En vez de ayudar en la cocina, prefirió estar mano sobre mano.

Instead of helping in the kitchen, he preferred to do nothing.

Here, the phrase is used to describe someone's choice to avoid work and remain inactive.

Ella no quería estar mano sobre mano durante la reunión, así que tomó la iniciativa.

She didn't want to be idle during the meeting, so she took the initiative.

This example shows someone taking action instead of being passive or inactive in a situation.