on hand: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on hand’ mean?
The idiom "on hand" means to be available or accessible in the present moment or in a particular place.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "within reach" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to describe something that is easily accessible or obtainable. This idiom is widely understood and used by native speakers in various contexts.
The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
Right away is an English idiom that is commonly used to indicate immediate action or promptness. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still widely used today.
The idiom "ready up" means to prepare or get ready for a particular task or event. It implies taking action to be fully prepared and organized.
"Ready up" is an idiom that is commonly used in informal spoken English. When we break it down, we can see that it consists of two words: "ready" and "up". Individually, these words have their own meanings, but when used together as an idiom, they take on a specific connotation.
The idiom "quick on the draw" means to be very fast in reacting or responding to a situation or challenge.
One idiom that has gained popularity over the years is "quick on the draw." Here's what we know for sure about this idiom:
The phrase "quick on the draw" comes from the American Old West, specifically gunfighting. It refers to someone who is fast and skilled at drawing their gun in a confrontation. Being "quick on the draw" means having the ability to react swiftly and decisively.
When someone is quick on their feet, it means they are able to think and react quickly, especially in unexpected or difficult situations.
The idiom "quick on one's feet" is a commonly used expression in English. It describes individuals who are able to think and respond quickly in various situations. This phrase highlights someone's agility, adaptability, and ability to react swiftly.
The idiom "quick off the mark" means to react quickly or be ready to take action immediately.
The idiom "quick off the mark" is commonly used in both British and American English. It means to be quick to react or respond to something, often describing someone who can think or act quickly in a situation.
The idiom "pressed for time" means to be in a hurry or have a shortage of time to complete a task or attend to something important.
The idiom "out on one's feet" means to be extremely tired or exhausted, to the point of not being able to continue or function properly.
The idiom "on the spot" means to do something immediately or to be put in a situation where one is required to perform or make a decision without any preparation or advance notice.
The idiom *on ice* means to be postponed or put on hold. It originated from the idea of putting something on ice to preserve it or keep it fresh.
The Hidden Origins
The idiom "on hand" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means that something is readily available or easily accessible at a given moment. When something is "on hand," it is present and can be used or accessed immediately. The idiom is derived from the literal meaning of having something physically within reach or close proximity.
The origins of the idiom can be traced back to Old English, where the word "hand" was commonly used to refer to the physical extremity of the arm. Over time, the concept of having something "on hand" evolved to encompass the idea of having something readily available for use. The idiom gained popularity and became a common phrase in the English language.
The usage of the idiom is versatile and can be applied to various contexts and situations. For example, in a business setting, if someone says they have a document "on hand," it means that they have the document readily available and can provide it instantly. Similarly, if a person mentions having cash "on hand," it signifies that they have money available for immediate use.
In everyday conversations, the idiom "on hand" is often used interchangeably with other phrases such as "at one's disposal" or "readily accessible." It serves as a concise way of expressing that something is nearby and easily obtainable. For instance, if someone asks if there are pens "on hand," they are inquiring if there are any pens readily available for use.
Furthermore, the idiom "on hand" can also be used metaphorically to convey the availability of help, support, or resources. If someone mentions having experts "on hand," it indicates that they have knowledgeable individuals who can provide assistance when needed. This usage implies that the experts are readily available and can be called upon whenever necessary.
Another idiom related to "on hand" is "at the ready." This phrase also signifies preparedness and immediate availability. It conveys the idea of being prepared or equipped for a particular task or situation. When someone or something is "at the ready," they are ready and available to be used or deployed at a moment's notice. The idiom "at the ready" can be used interchangeably with "on hand" in many contexts. For example, a fire extinguisher "at the ready" is a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible and can be used immediately if needed.
Similarly, another related idiom is "at one's fingertips." This phrase is used to convey that something is easily and immediately accessible, just like when something is "on hand." However, "at one's fingertips" places emphasis on the convenience and ease of access. It implies that something is literally within reach, as if it were at the tips of one's fingers. For instance, if a person has information "at their fingertips," it means that they have the information readily available and can access it easily and quickly.
The idiom "on hand" is a commonly used phrase that signifies the immediate availability or accessibility of something. It has its roots in Old English and has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of meanings. The idiom is versatile and can be used in various contexts and situations, making it a useful and widely understood expression in the English language. Additionally, related idioms such as "at the ready" and "at one's fingertips" further emphasize the concept of immediate availability and accessibility, adding variety and depth to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on hand" can be used in a sentence:
- I always make sure to have some extra cash on hand, just in case of an emergency.
- Our office keeps a stock of office supplies on hand for employees to use.
- You can find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at the local farmer's market.
More "availability" idioms
