expression, ichidan verb
become independent; no longer need help
Describes a person or task reaching a point where constant supervision or assistance is no longer necessary. Often used for children growing up or projects becoming self-sustaining.
子供たちも大きくなって、もう手が離れた。
The children have grown up and no longer need constant care.
このプロジェクトはようやく手が離れる段階に入った。
This project has finally reached the stage where it can run without my constant involvement.
expression, ichidan verb
leave one's hands; leave one's possession
Used when something physically or figuratively leaves one's hands, such as a sold item, a completed task, or a responsibility passed on. Less common than the independence sense.
大切にしていた本が手が離れてしまった。
The book I treasured has left my hands.
その書類はもう手が離れたので、後は任せてください。
Those documents have already left my hands, so please take over from here.