Handy meaning in English

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Definition

(to be) handy: (to be) available; near, close; practical, useful adjective
Do you have a pen and paper handy?: Do you have a pen and a piece of paper ready to use? idiom

Examples

  • "Do you have a pen handy?"
  • "This international restaurant "app" is handy when you arrive in a foreign city."
Exercise 1
"This international restaurant "app" is handy when you arrive in a foreign city."

A handy app (thing, tool...) is:
"This international restaurant "app" is handy when you arrive in a foreign city."

A handy app (thing, tool...) is:
This is incorrect. "Handy" describes something that is useful or convenient and is not synonymous with "recommended".
This is incorrect. "Handy" describes something that is useful or convenient and is not synonymous with "essential".
This is incorrect. Although a "handy" could be used to describe an act of sexual stimulation, it's certainly not what Philip is referring to in this dialogue. He wouldn't say no to one though.
This is the correct answer. A "handy (guide)" is one which is useful or convenient. Philip thinks that the app (or application) provides useful information when he arrives in a foreign city. "Handy" can also mean "easy to use" or "easily accessible" (within reach of the hands). Example: I always put my pen in a handy place on my desk, so that I can reach it easily.
This is incorrect. "Handy" describes something that is useful or convenient and is not synonymous with "fun".

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