| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | iv. Hand | | |
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(preceded by a preposition). | 1 |
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AT HAND. Conveniently near. “Near at hand,” quite close by. In French, “A la main.” | 2 |
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BEFOREHAND. Sooner, before it happened. | 3 |
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BEHINDHAND. Not in time, not up to date. | 4 |
BY THE HAND OF GOD. “Acc dit divintus.” | 5 |
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FROM HAND TO HAND. From one person to another. | 6 |
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IN HAND. Under control, in possession; under progress, as “Avoir la main à l’œuvre.” | 7 |
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| “Keep him well in hand.” |
| “I have some in hand, and more in expectation.” |
| “I have a new book or picture in hand.” | |
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A bird in the hand. (See BIRD.) | 8 |
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OFF HAND. At once; without stopping. | 9 |
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Off one’s hands. No longer under one’s responsibilities; able to maintain oneself. | 10 |
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OUT OF HAND. At once, over. | 11 |
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| “We will proclaim you out of hand.” | |
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Shakespeare: 3 Henry VI., iv. 7. |
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| “And, were these inward wars once out of hand, |
| We would, dear lords, unto the Holy Land.” | |
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Shakespeare: 2 Henry IV., iii. 1. |
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WITH A HIGH HAND. Imperiously, arrogantly. In French, “Faire quelque chose haut la main.” | 12 |
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