手を上げる

Phrase composed of 手 (te, “hand, hands”) + を (o, object particle) + 上げる (ageru, “to raise something”).[1][2]

• Kun’yomi
  • IPA^(key): [te̞ o̞ a̠ɡe̞ɾɯ̟ᵝ]

手を上げる (intransitive, hiragana てをあげる, rōmaji te o ageru)

1. to raise one's hand or hands

   Extended meanings include:

   1. to raise one's hands in supplication or surrender: to give up, to quit, to surrender
   2. to strike someone, or to threaten to do so: to raise one's fist, to raise one's hand against someone
   3. (idiomatic) to improve, to raise one's level of skill or competence
   4. to return one's hands to normal posture, after prostrating oneself (such as in deep apology or supplication)

• (give up): 匙 (さじ)を投 (な)げる (saji o nageru) literally, “to throw the spoon”

• お手 (て)上 (あ)げ (oteage): throwing up one's hands, giving up, quitting (noun)