close at hand
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Related to close at hand: on the other hand, old hand
close at hand
1. Nearby; physically within one's reach. Your mother will need you close at hand to help as she makes the big dinner. I always keep a glass of water close at hand when I sleep, because I hate waking up thirsty.
2. Immediately available. You'll want to keep a reserve of cash close at hand for any unforeseen expenses you might incur while setting up the business. As your legal counsel, we will remain close at hand for the duration of the trial.
3. Very close (to arriving or occurring). Politicians in Brussels have hinted that an agreement may be close at hand. With just two minutes remaining, it looks like the team's first championship in 70 years is finally close at hand.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
close at hand
within reach; handy. I'm sorry, but your letter isn't close at hand. Please remind me what you said in it. When you're cooking, you should keep all the ingredients close at hand.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.