in hand

phrase

Synonyms of in handnext
1
: in one's possession or control
had matters well in hand
with money in hand
2
: in preparation
a new play in hand
3
: under consideration
took the matter in hand

Examples of in hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the Chiefs having the game in hand in the fourth quarter, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy approached head coach Andy Reid with a suggestion. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 Degree in hand, Chandrasekaran was hired as a consultant for Boston Consulting Group in Los Angeles and wrote spec scripts in his free time. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Egyptology enthusiasts and other visitors stood in a messy single-file line with phone cameras in hand, some with selfie sticks and most with bags under their eyes from waking up so early. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 A couple of days before the Ann Demeulemeester show at Paris Fashion Week, eager models are standing in the foyer of the brand’s studio in the Marais, waiting patiently with their picture in hand. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in hand

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of in hand was before the 12th century

Rhymes for in hand

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Browse Nearby Words

in half
in hand
inharmonic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20hand. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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