make one's hand

present singular third person makes one's hand · participle present making one's hand · participle past made one's hand · past made one's hand

1. archaicidiomaticTo gain advantage or profit.

   Whereby we think, that he thought to make his Hand, by his Untruth to his King's Majefty.

   1753, Gilbert Burnet, History of the Reformation of the Church of England

   3 more examples

   I have lately written to you, I would not advise you to wade any further in these maters, for it is to be thought that the French king indendeth to make his hand by favoring you in the attaining to the said marriage; which when he shall perceive that by your means he cannot get such things as he desireth, peradventure he shall show some change and alteration in the queen's affairs, whereof great inconvenience might ensue.

   1515, Cardinal Wolsey, Letter from Cardinal Wolsey to the Duke of Suffolk

   For he that listeth to make his hand by pillage, taketh no thought when he hath done all the wickednesse that can be, because there is no redressse nor any order to be také.

   1584, Jean Calvin, Sermons of Maister Iohn Caluin, Vpon the Booke of Iob, page 627

   Now the French King, supposing to make his hand by these rude ravages in England, brake off his treaty of peace, proclaimed hostilitie, and denounced the same by his Embassador to the King.

   1599, Sir John Hayward, Life and Raigne of King Edward the Sixth