手てぶら

noun

empty-handed; without a gift

Often used in the adverbial form 手ぶらで to describe arriving without bringing anything, especially a gift when one is expected. The second gloss reflects a social lapse rather than a separate meaning.

• 手てぶらでパーティーに行いくのは失しつ礼れいだ。

  It's rude to go to a party empty-handed.

• 彼かれはいつも手てぶらで訪たずねてくる。

  He always visits without bringing anything.