handy

Definitions

hand + -y ('characterized by') = 'hand-like' in usefulness — close enough to reach by hand. From this come three everyday senses: useful (a handy gadget), conveniently near (keep it handy), and good with one's hands (handy around the house).

Why It Means This

Handy keeps the family's core image of 'within hand's reach.' Something handy is close enough to grab, hence useful and convenient; a person who is handy can fix things with their own hands. Note the idiom come in handy — to turn out useful at the right moment.

Common Collocations

• 1.come in handy派上用场
• 2.keep something handy把某物放手边
• 3.a handy tool好用的工具
• 4.handy with擅长……

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Keep a flashlight handy in case the power goes out.

• 2.

  This little tool is really handy for opening jars.

• 3.

  He's very handy and fixed the leak himself.