at hand

Idioms

Also, . Within easy reach, nearby, as in I like to keep my tools close at hand . [1300s]
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 .

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The second reference was to Marriage of Teegarden, which was handed down in 1986, not 1995, and also had nothing to do with the issue at hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

First, don’t trade too much; second, only buy losers when you are confident that a market bottom is close at hand and a big recovery will follow.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Between deliveries he wandered to the leg side to steady himself before reengaging with the task at hand.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

And it’s my job to help families come to their decision by offering as much information as I can provide about the topic at hand.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

It was well to have a comfort in store on Harriet’s behalf, though it might be wise to let the fancy touch it seldom; for evil in that quarter was at hand.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023