keep one's hand in

/kˈiːp wˈɒnz hˈand ˈɪn/

/kˈiːp wˈʌnz hˈænd ˈɪn/

[phrase]

to keep one's hand in

[PHRASE]

to practice or engage in an activity only to maintain a skill or ability

keep one's hand in sth

/kˈiːp wˈɒnz hˈand ɪn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/kˈiːp wˈʌnz hˈænd ɪn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

[phrase]

to keep one's hand in sth

[PHRASE]

***to remain involved in something, often in a minor role or capacity.

Examples

1. I also did a bit of book reviewing to keep my hand in.

2. I do a bit of teaching now and then just to keep my hand in.

3. Joe insists on keeping his hand in the company, even though he has no real authority at this point.

4. They had 67 undergraduates from Keele University in the UK dunk their hands in a tub of icy cold water, then measured whether swearing changed how long they could keep their hand in the tub.