in hand
Definition
- Adverb:
- Under control, being managed or dealt with: The phrase "in hand" describes a situation that is being actively controlled, managed, or addressed, implying order and progress.
Usage
The phrase "in hand" is used to state that a matter, task, or situation is currently being dealt with and is under control. It often follows the verb 'to be' (e.g., is, are, was, were). It suggests that the subject requires no immediate outside intervention.
Examples
- Adverb:
- The project manager assured us that the situation was in hand.
- Don't worry about the preparations; everything is in hand.
- With the emergency in hand, the team could focus on long-term solutions.
Advanced Usage
- "to have something in hand": This is a common construction meaning to have something under one's control or to be dealing with it.
- The CEO has the merger negotiations firmly in hand.
- "to take something in hand": This means to assume control or responsibility for managing something.
- The new supervisor took the disorganized department in hand.
Variants and Related Words
- In-hand (adjective, often hyphenated): Can describe something held physically in the hand or resources currently available.
- He paid with in-hand cash. (Meaning readily available cash)
- We have enough stock in hand to meet demand.
- Handful (noun): A small number or amount, or a person/thing that is difficult to manage. This is a related but distinct word.
- The toddler is a real handful.
- On hand (phrase): Available, present. Do not confuse with "in hand." "On hand" means physically available, while "in hand" means under control.
- Extra staff will be on hand for the event. (Available)
- The crisis is in hand. (Under control)
Synonyms
- Under control
- Managed
- Being dealt with
- In order
Related Phrases
- Get a grip on: To gain control of a situation.
- You need to get a grip on your spending.
- At hand: Nearby or currently relevant. (Different meaning from "in hand").
- Help was close at hand.
Notes on Different Meanings
The core meaning of "in hand" is control and management. It should not be confused with the literal meaning of physically holding something (e.g., "a letter in hand"), which is less common as a fixed phrase and is typically clear from context. The idiomatic adverbial use ("the situation is in hand") is the primary definition.
Adverb
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under control
-
the riots were in hand
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