on hand
1
used to refer to someone or something that is accessible and near to one
The idiom "on hand" has been in use since the late 16th century. Its origin is quite literal, referring to something that is physically present or readily available because it is being held or kept close at hand. This phrase is used to describe the quantity or amount of something that is readily available or in one's possession at a given time.
- Her trainer was on hand to give advice.
- We have a large quantity of food on hand for the event.
- The store keeps a variety of products on hand to meet customer demand.
- Having extra materials on hand allows us to complete the project without delays.
2
used to say that something must be addressed and handled
The idiom "on hand" likely does not have a specific historical origin. It is used to convey the idea of having something available or accessible for the purpose of addressing and handling various situations. Its origin is essentially tied to the practicality and simplicity of the language itself, reflecting the idea of preparedness and resource availability.
- With the growing number of customer complaints, it's clear that we have a serious issue on hand that needs immediate attention.
- The unexpected surge in demand for our product means we need to have more inventory on hand to meet customer orders promptly.
- The sudden power outage caught us unprepared; we need to have backup generators on hand for future emergencies.
- When dealing with a crisis situation, it's essential to have a crisis management plan on hand to guide your response.
- The impending deadline for the project is looming, and we must have all the necessary resources and manpower on hand to complete it successfully.