on hand (UK ALSO to hand)
near to someone or something, and ready to help or be used if necessary:
A 1200-strong military force will be on hand to monitor the ceasefire.
For those of you who don't have an atlas to hand, Newcastle is a city in the north-east of England.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

on hand
immediately available.
Ms. Sharp will be on hand to answer questions later about the film.

The two cosmonauts have seven hours of oxygen on hand, but the job should take only four hours.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on hand
1. nearby, available, in one's possession; to be ready, to be within reach
We did not have a screwdriver on hand so we could not fix the stove.

I am sorry but I do not have any aspirin on hand at the moment.

We did not have enough supplies on hand and were unable to finish the job.

"Please keep your dictionary on hand in case you need to use it."

2. present
Our teacher is always on hand when we need someone to help us.

The speaker will be on hand after the lecture if you have any questions that you want to ask her.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on hand
adv. phr.
1a. Nearby; within reach.
Always have your dictionary on hand when you study.
1b. Here.
Soon school will end and vacation will be on hand.
2. Present.
Mr. Blake's secretary is always on hand when he appears in public.
3. In your possession; ready.
The Girl Scouts have plenty of cookies on hand.
Tim had no cash on hand to pay for the gas.
Compare: IN STORE.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲