iv. Hand

(preceded by a preposition).

At Hand. Conveniently near. “Near at hand,” quite close by. In French, “A la main.”

Beforehand. Sooner, before it happened.

Behindhand. Not in time, not up to date.

By the Hand of God. “Accĭdit divinĭtus.”

From Hand to Hand. From one person to another.

In Hand. Under control, in possession; under progress, as “Avoir la main à lʹœuvre.”

“Keep him well in hand.”

“I have some in hand, and more in expectation.”

“I have a new book or picture in hand.”

Off Hand. At once; without stopping.

Off one’s hands. No longer under one’s responsibilities; able to maintain oneself.

Out of Hand. At once, over.

“We will proclaim you out of hand.”

Shakespeare: 3 Henry VI., iv. 7.

“And, were these inward wars once out of hand,

We would, dear lords, unto the Holy Land.”

Shakespeare: 2 Henry IV., iii. 1.

With a High Hand. Imperiously, arrogantly. In French, “Faire quelque chose haut la main.”

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.