at hand — near in time or place; readily available; approaching
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: near in time or place; readily available; approaching
Pronunciation (IPA): /æt hænd/
Example Sentences
- The deadline is at hand, but I'm still binge-watching Netflix.
- Keep a dictionary at hand when studying English.
- Summer vacation is at hand, and my bank account is crying.
at hand
NOUN[/æt hænd/]
near in time or place; readily available; approaching
near in time or place; readily available; approaching
With battle at hand, he prepares to command what circumstances demand!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from Old English, combining the preposition 'at' (meaning 'at' or 'in') with 'hand' (meaning 'hand'). The expression evolved to mean 'within reach' or 'nearby,' based on the literal sense of something being close enough to touch with one's hand.
Breakdown
at (preposition: at, in) + hand (noun: hand). The compound phrase developed from the spatial metaphor of physical proximity, where 'at hand' came to signify something readily available or close at hand.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The deadline is at hand, but I'm still binge-watching Netflix.”
“Keep a dictionary at hand when studying English.”
“Summer vacation is at hand, and my bank account is crying.”
“Always keep emergency supplies at hand.”
📚Related Words
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