at hand
at hand
1. Nearby; physically within one's reach. Your mother will need you close at hand to help as she makes Thanksgiving dinner. I always keep a glass of water at hand when I sleep, because I hate waking up thirsty.
2. Currently in need of addressing. I know you all want to chat, but we need to focus on the matter at hand—planning next week's assembly. Stop dabbling in other projects and focus on the task at hand.
3. Impending or imminent. After months of planning, I'm thrilled that the event is finally at hand!
See also: hand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
at hand
close by in time or space. I don't happen to have your application at hand at the moment. With the holiday season at hand, everyone is very excited.
See also: hand
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
at hand
1. Also, close or near at hand . Within easy reach, nearby, as in I like to keep my tools close at hand. [1300s]
2. Also, on hand. Nearby in time, soon, as in The day of judgment is at hand, or A change of administration is on hand. Also see on hand.
See also: hand
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
(close/near) at ˈhand
near in distance or time: Some people think that the end of the world is at hand. It’s a very convenient place to live. We’ve got everything close at hand — shops, schools, and a library.See also: hand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
at hand
1. Close by; near.
2. Soon in time; imminent: Retribution is at hand.
3. Under discussion: Let's keep to the matter at hand.
See also: hand
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- have (someone or something) about
- have about
- have around
- have (someone or something) around
- have (someone or something) at hand
- Friendsgiving
- main squeeze
- the mother country
- the/(one's) mother country
- in the midst of (something)