at second hand
prep_phrase1
By an intermediary or by indirect means; usually relating to something heard, by hearsay.
- Even devoted monarchists knew of her only at second hand, as a cipher, a still, small, largely silent, smiling figure, bound by her sense of duty and service, surrounded by turmoil and hubbub.September 8 2022, Stephen Bates, “Queen Elizabeth II obituary”, in The Guardian:
- Synonyms
- indirectly
- Related terms
- firsthand, hearsay, horse's mouth