IN HAND

{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Under control. * /The principal was happy to find that the new teacher had her class in hand./ * /The baby-sitter kept the children well in hand./ * /Mabel was frightened when the barking dog ran at her, but she soon got herself in hand and walked on./ Contrast: OUT OF HAND. 2. In your possession; with you. - Often used in the phrase "cash in hand". * /Tom figured that his cash in hand with his weekly pay would be enough to buy a car./ Compare: ON HAND. 3. Being worked on; with you to do. * /We should finish the work we have in hand before we begin something new./