Empty-handed; having nothing in one's hands. Often used as '手ぶらで (to come/go empty-handed)', including the nuance of visiting without bringing a gift.
急いで出かけたので手ぶらで家を出た。
I left the house empty-handed because I was in a hurry.
友達の家に行くときは、普通は手土産を持っていくが、今回は手ぶらで行った。
When visiting a friend's house you usually bring a small gift, but this time I went empty-handed.
手ぶらで登山に行くのは危険だ。必要な道具を忘れないで。
Going climbing empty-handed is dangerous. Don't forget the necessary gear.