The issue at hand is
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use this phrase to professionally signal the most important topic that requires immediate attention.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to identify the most important current topic or problem.
- Common in professional, legal, and academic English environments.
- Helps redirect a wandering conversation back to the main point.
معنی
It's a way to point out the specific problem or topic that everyone should be focusing on right now. Think of it as a verbal spotlight that brings the conversation back to the most important point.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Leading a business meeting
The issue at hand is that we are losing customers to our competitors.
The issue at hand is that we are losing customers to our competitors.
Writing an academic essay
The issue at hand is the impact of climate change on coastal erosion.
The issue at hand is the impact of climate change on coastal erosion.
A serious talk with a partner
I know we're tired, but the issue at hand is how we're going to pay rent.
I know we're tired, but the issue at hand is how we're going to pay rent.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase reflects a Western cultural emphasis on linear logic and directness in professional settings. It evolved from the physical 'at hand' (meaning nearby) to a metaphorical 'at hand' (meaning current focus). It is widely used in UK and US legal systems to define the scope of a trial.
Redirecting Conversations
Use this phrase if someone is rambling. It's a polite way to interrupt and bring the focus back to the agenda without being rude.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this every five minutes, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Save it for the most important points of the discussion.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to identify the most important current topic or problem.
- Common in professional, legal, and academic English environments.
- Helps redirect a wandering conversation back to the main point.
What It Means
Imagine you are in a room full of people talking about different things. You need everyone to focus on one specific problem. The issue at hand is acts like a bright neon sign pointing at that problem. It literally means the matter that is 'in our hands' or right in front of us. It is about immediate priority and focus. It helps you cut through the noise and get to the point.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It sets the stage for the important information coming next. For example, you might say, The issue at hand is our lack of funding. It functions as a formal introduction to a main point. You can follow it with a noun or a full clause starting with that. It makes your statement sound more professional and thought-out. Use it when you want to sound like the person in charge of the conversation.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for business meetings or academic debates. Use it when a discussion starts to drift away from the main topic. It is a polite way to say, "Hey, let's get back to work." You can also use it in serious emails to colleagues. It works well when writing an essay to introduce your primary argument. If you are discussing a serious family matter, it adds a layer of gravity. It shows you are taking the situation seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for trivial or tiny daily decisions. Don't say it when choosing between pepperoni or mushroom pizza. Your friends might think you are being a bit too dramatic. It is too heavy for a casual text message about weekend plans. If you use it while flirting, you might sound like a lawyer instead of a date. Keep it away from very relaxed, slang-heavy environments. It can come off as cold or overly robotic if overused.
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the old English concept of having something physically in your hands. If you held a tool, that was your immediate task. Over time, we stopped talking about physical objects and started talking about ideas. In Western business culture, being direct and focused is highly valued. This phrase reflects that cultural desire to be efficient and clear. It is a staple of legal dramas and political speeches. It signals that the 'fluff' is over and the real talk is starting.
Common Variations
You will often hear people swap 'issue' for other nouns. The matter at hand is a very common and slightly more formal version. The topic at hand is used frequently in classrooms or lectures. Sometimes people simply say the task at hand when referring to physical work. All of these serve the same purpose: keeping the group focused on the 'now'.
نکات کاربردی
This is a C1-level phrase primarily used in formal writing and professional speech. It is a 'signposting' expression that helps organize thoughts. Avoid using it in relaxed social settings to prevent sounding pretentious.
Redirecting Conversations
Use this phrase if someone is rambling. It's a polite way to interrupt and bring the focus back to the agenda without being rude.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this every five minutes, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Save it for the most important points of the discussion.
The 'Hand' Connection
In English, many idioms involve hands to show control or proximity. 'At hand' means it's close enough to touch, making the problem feel urgent.
مثالها
6The issue at hand is that we are losing customers to our competitors.
The issue at hand is that we are losing customers to our competitors.
Used here to focus the team on a specific business problem.
The issue at hand is the impact of climate change on coastal erosion.
The issue at hand is the impact of climate change on coastal erosion.
Introduces the primary research question of the paper.
I know we're tired, but the issue at hand is how we're going to pay rent.
I know we're tired, but the issue at hand is how we're going to pay rent.
Brings the focus back to a critical survival topic.
Look, the issue at hand is I have no dress for the wedding tomorrow!
Look, the issue at hand is I have no dress for the wedding tomorrow!
Uses formal language for a slightly dramatic, humorous effect in a casual setting.
Everyone, please listen; the issue at hand is the upcoming final exam.
Everyone, please listen; the issue at hand is the upcoming final exam.
Used to command attention and establish priority.
The issue at hand is that the fridge makes a loud clicking noise every hour.
The issue at hand is that the fridge makes a loud clicking noise every hour.
Clearly identifies the specific problem to be fixed.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the best word to complete the formal sentence.
The ___ at hand is our declining quarterly revenue.
'Issue' is the standard, formal word used in this specific idiomatic expression.
Complete the phrase to redirect the meeting.
Let's stay focused. The issue ___ hand is the project timeline.
The preposition 'at' is the only correct one used in the phrase 'at hand'.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum of 'The Issue at Hand'
Talking to a roommate about dishes.
The thing is...
Discussing a plan with a coworker.
The main point is...
Presenting to a board of directors.
The issue at hand is...
Legal proceedings or high-level diplomacy.
The matter at hand concerns...
When to Use 'The Issue at Hand'
Boardroom Meeting
Defining the company's strategy.
Academic Paper
Introducing a thesis statement.
Legal Discussion
Focusing on a specific piece of evidence.
Serious Family Talk
Addressing a major financial decision.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNot necessarily. While it often refers to a problem, it can simply mean the 'topic' or 'subject' currently being discussed, like the issue at hand is our new marketing plan.
In British English, the matter in hand is sometimes used, but at hand is the standard version globally, especially in North America.
It might be too formal. Unless you are joking about a 'problem' like which dessert to order, it could make the date feel like a business meeting.
You usually follow it with is + a noun phrase or a that clause. For example: The issue at hand is (noun phrase) or The issue at hand is that (clause).
The problem is is more direct and casual. The issue at hand is sounds more professional and suggests a broader scope for discussion.
Only if the topic is very serious or if you are being intentionally dramatic/funny with a close friend.
They are almost identical. Matter at hand is slightly more old-fashioned and formal, while issue at hand is more common in modern business.
Yes! Both come from the idea of something being within reach. If a tool is 'handy,' it is 'at hand' when you need it.
No, it almost always functions as the subject of the sentence at the beginning.
It can sound firm, but not necessarily aggressive. It signals authority and a desire for efficiency.
عبارات مرتبط
The matter at hand
An even more formal way to say the same thing.
The task at hand
Specifically refers to the physical or mental work being done right now.
The bottom line is
Used to state the most important result or factor of a situation.
To get down to brass tacks
An idiom meaning to start discussing the basic, most important facts.
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