ask for someone’s hand—propose to a woman:
- I’ve told him I have asked for your hand in marriage and that you’ve rejected me.
ask someone for a hand—
1. ask smb. to help in what one is doing:
- Sometimes you feel a bit stupid asking someone for a hand.
2. ask the audience, etc. for applause:
- Asking the audience for a hand for the band he showed his confidence in their abilities.