English

Verb

come to hand

1. To become available, often unexpectedly, or randomly.

   She fought off the intruder with whatever came to hand.

   • 1992, Rudolf M. Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, page vii

     Secondly, I continue to base my concepts on intensive study of a limited suite of collections, rather than superficial study of every packet that comes to hand.

2. (US, horses) To perform well, to come under control.

   The horse came to hand, and won first prize.