In hand means under control, already being dealt with. The catering arrangements are well in hand: the food is on track, someone is handling it. The supervisor has the situation in hand: the manager has it under control. There's also a British meaning, 'available, left over': We still have enough money in hand to replace the broken chairs.
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be in hand / have something in hand / well in hand
- The catering arrangements are well in hand.
- The supervisor has the situation in hand.
- We still have enough money in hand to replace the broken chairs.
What changed
First versionThe catering arrangements are well in hands.
RevisionThe catering arrangements are well in hand.
We hold things in our hands, plural, so in hands feels natural. But in this expression hand is always singular: well in hand. Hands is for real hands or for the people trusted with something: she held the box in her hands, the project is in good hands.
In good hands means someone reliable is taking care of it: Your dog is in good hands with us. In hand is about the task itself: it's under control. At hand means 'nearby, close': Help is at hand.
Your turn
The team is dealing with the arrangements: Everything is well in ___.
Show the answer
hand — In well in hand, hand is always singular, however many tasks there are. Hands doesn't fit here: it's for real hands or for the phrase in good hands.
Your boss asks how the conference preparations are going. Reassure them in one sentence with in hand.
Everything is well in hand — the speakers are confirmed and the room is booked.
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