to hand

Related to to hand: To hand over

to hand

1. Immediately available or easily accessible. Do you have a pen to hand? I need to sign this form. A: "Would you happen to have a spare calculator?" B: "Not to hand, sorry. I can bring one from home for you tomorrow, though."
2. On one's person; in one's physical possession. I always keep sanitizer to hand because I have to shake so many people's hands throughout the day. Passengers are advised that they must have their travel visas or work permits to hand before lining up for immigration and passport control.
See also: hand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

to hand

1. Also, at hand. Nearby, accessible, as in I don't have the right tools to hand but asked her to get them for me. [c. 1300]
2. Also, in hand. In one's possession, as in He had their letter to hand, or She had the money in hand. The first term dates from the mid-1700s, the second from about 1200. Also see hand to hand.
See also: hand
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

(ready) to ˈhand

(have something) with or near you; easy to reach or get: I don’t seem to have my diary to hand at the moment — can I ring you back and make an appointment? Surgeons need their instruments ready to hand during an operation.
See also: hand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

to hand

1. Nearby.
2. In one's possession.
See also: hand
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • in ink
  • and (something) to spare
  • and to spare
  • be going spare
  • pen up
  • don't spare the horses
  • the schoolmaster is abroad
  • pen in
  • a spare tyre
  • pen and ink
References in periodicals archive
Enhanced adherence to hand washing was reported after caring for a patient than before, in a study done by Muhammad Ali Anwar (11) in Pakistan.
Awareness of hand washing among house-surgeons of government general hospital, Vijayawada
Soiled hands must be washed prior to hand disinfection with a waterless (alcohol-based) product.
Handwashing: doing it right; adapted from Hand Hygiene Practices, a publication of DebMed, manufacturer of skin care products, with permission. (Cover Features)
Occupational irritants and allergies can be caused by frequent hand washing, exposure to hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals and shear forces associated with wearing or removing gloves.
The first step in infection control is hand hygiene: clean hands are more than a matter of soap and water
Many of us spend a lot of time - and money - on pampering our faces each day, but when it comes to hands, we're often nowhere near as diligent.
Don"t show the time on your hands; KATIE WRIGHT asks skincare experts for their handy tips
boayy "When I'm cooking, I also apply a little oil olive or coconut oil to hands and nails," she adds.
Keep your hands soft and smooth
pampering our faces, but when it comes to hands, we're often not so diligent.
HANDS UP FOR BEAUTY BOOST