Estar a mano / Estar a la mano
3
votes
Estar a mano - We're even, square.
Estar a la mano = Queda cerca.
Right? (are these used everywhere?)
5880 views
updated Aug 18, 2011
posted by jeezzle
Right. - LuisCache, Aug 17, 2011
3 Answers
3
votes
Yes! Most people forget this distinction. A literal definition of "estar a la mano" would be "to be at hand". In use, it can mean "stay near/close" like you said or also "be ready/available".
updated Aug 18, 2011
edited by bafalck
posted by bafalck
I'm going with this one. ;) - Dakie, Aug 17, 2011
1
vote
My personal impression is that the phrase "a la mano" is rather unusual in Spain, but it is indeed correct.
However, "estar a mano", to me, is pretty much the same: to be handy / nearby... I have never seen this phrase being used to mean "being even/square".
updated Aug 17, 2011
edited by lazarus1907
posted by lazarus1907
0
votes
Word ref have 'estar a mano' AmL - to be even, quits 
updated Aug 17, 2011
posted by Kiwi-Girl
