Präpositionalphrase

in der Hand

in one's hand, under control

Ich habe den Schlüssel in der Hand.

I have the key in my hand.

Er hat die Situation fest in der Hand.

He has the situation firmly under control.

((sth.acc)) in der Hand haben/halten to have/hold sth. in one's hand She is holding a book in her hand.

((sth.acc)) in der Hand haben to have sth. under control The manager has the project under control.

Synonym (figurative): unter Kontrolle (under control); Antonym (figurative): außer Kontrolle (out of control)

Literally 'in' + 'the hand'. 'Hand' is a direct cognate with English 'hand'.

The literal meaning is easy. For the figurative meaning 'under control', imagine holding the reins of a horse 'in your hand'.

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