at hand
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Close in time; about to occur: Refers to something that is imminent or will happen very soon.
- Close in space; within reach: Refers to something that is physically nearby or easily accessible.
Examples of Usage
Close in time:
- The deadline for the project is at hand.
- With the exam at hand, she felt a surge of nervous energy.
Close in space:
- Keep your tools at hand while you work.
- He always keeps a notebook at hand for jotting down ideas.
Advanced Usage
- "to have something at hand": to have something ready and available for use.
- A good chef always has the necessary ingredients at hand.
- "to be at hand": to be present or available to help.
- Assistance was at hand when the equipment failed.
Variants and Related Words
- On hand (adj. phrase): Available or present. Often used interchangeably with "at hand" for the spatial meaning.
- Extra supplies are on hand in the storage room.
- Imminent (adj.): About to happen. A close synonym for the temporal meaning of "at hand."
- The threat of a storm was imminent.
Synonyms
- Approaching (adj.): Coming nearer in time.
- Nearby (adj./adv.): Not far away in distance.
- Impending (adj.): (Especially of something bad) About to happen.
Related Phrases
- Close at hand: An intensified form with the same meanings.
- Help was close at hand. (Spatial)
- A solution seemed close at hand. (Temporal/Figurative)
Related Idioms
- "The matter at hand": The issue or task that is currently being discussed or dealt with.
- Let's focus on the matter at hand and not get distracted.
Adjective
- close in time; about to occur
- retribution is at hand
- some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand
- in imminent danger
- his impending retirement
- close in space; within reach
- the town is close at hand