to hand

Idioms  

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 .

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Example Sentences

“Not a lot of parents will want to hand a 10- to 15-year-old an almost $2,000 device,” Herbert says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

District Judge P. Casey Pitts weighs whether a Texas grand jury can force the California medical center to hand over its files to the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations in Kansas.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Law enforcement can still compel companies to hand over user activity if they believe a crime has been committed.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

The United States supports maintaining the post but wants the next high representative to hand over the reins of power to Bosnian institutions.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

“Here,” I said, trying to hand it back again, but Kayla wouldn’t let go of my wrist.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott