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.

Meanwhile, the Jewish Leadership Council said it was "deeply disappointed" by the Benn's statement "which demonstrates a clear failure to understand the issue at hand".

From BBC • Apr. 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

Chait did not mention Carvalho, but alluded to the difficult situation at hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

"The hour of your freedom is at hand."

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

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