TO HAND Meaning and Definition

To hand is a phrasal verb used to refer to the act of physically passing or giving something to someone. It is commonly used to describe the act of giving or transferring an object directly from one person's hand to another. This phrase implies that the item being handed over is within immediate reach or close proximity.

The phrase "to hand" can also be understood in a more abstract sense, meaning that information or resources are readily available or easily accessible. It suggests that something is conveniently at one's disposal or within easy reach, thereby enabling quick and effortless use or retrieval.

The verb "to hand" is frequently used in contexts that require prompt action or assistance. For instance, in an urgent situation, someone might say, "Please pass me the phone; it's to hand," indicating that the phone is nearby and can be handed over quickly. Similarly, in a business setting, an employee might inform their supervisor, "I have the report to hand," indicating that the document is readily available and can be provided immediately.

Overall, the phrase "to hand" denotes the act of giving or receiving something directly, or the availability and accessibility of a resource or information.

Frequency of the word to hand appearance in books over time

The depicted graph illustrates the occurrences of the term "to hand" in a collection of English books from 1800 to 2008.