sous la main (at hand, readily available)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
Composed of the preposition 'sous' (under), the feminine definite article 'la', and the noun 'main' (hand). It functions adverbially and commonly complements verbs such as 'avoir' (to have), 'garder' (to keep), or 'tomber' (to fall/come).
Sample sentences
Je n'ai pas mes lunettes sous la main pour lire ce document.
I don't have my glasses at hand to read this document.
Garde ce numéro de téléphone sous la main en cas d'urgence.
Keep this phone number handy in case of an emergency.
Il a pris le premier livre qui lui tombait sous la main.
He took the first book he could get his hands on / that came to hand.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
Je n'ai pas mes lunettes sous la main pour lire ce document.
I don't have my glasses at hand to read this document.
Garde ce numéro de téléphone sous la main en cas d'urgence.
Keep this phone number handy in case of an emergency.
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