"Too close at hand" means something is either too near physically or too near in time; it implies an uncomfortable proximity or imminence.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Physical Proximity: Something is physically too close to you, making you uncomfortable or threatened. Example: "The stray dog was too close at hand, and I felt nervous."
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Temporal Proximity: Something is about to happen very soon, perhaps sooner than you'd like or are prepared for. Example: "The exam was too close at hand, and I hadn't studied enough."
The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the nearness is undesirable. It implies a lack of distance or preparation to handle the situation. Synonyms include "imminent," "impending," "near," and "approaching."
