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3. in hand

in hand

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*in hand

in one's possession or control. (*Typically: be ~; have something ~.) It's in hand. I have it right here. The papers are in hand. Have no fear.

See also: hand

in hand

1. controlled They seemed to have the game in hand when they scored three goals.

Usage notes: also used with take: I think the state failed to take the situation in hand.

2. immediately available on hand We have about 6,000 applications in hand for about 200 new positions.

See also: hand

in hand

1. Accessible at the present time, as in The company has very little cash in hand. [Late 1300s]

2. Under one's control or authority, as in The police had the situation well in hand. [Early 1600s]

3. In process, being settled, as in He was willing to give full attention to the matter in hand. [Late 1300s] Also see in one's hands.

See also: hand

in hand

1. In one's possession: arrived with the contract in hand.

2. Under control: kept the tense situation in hand.

3. Under consideration: gave her attention to the matter in hand.

4. In preparation or process: With the work finally in hand, we began to see progress.

5. Sports Remaining to be played by one team but not by another: Their team is ahead in the standings, but our team has two games in hand.

See also: hand