The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word NIGH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
I
G
H
More clues leading to the result NIGH
- Horse and trap’s return is imminent
- Almost dark soon
- Dark period almost close
- Drink thrown up by hotel close at hand
- Sound of equine expending energy nearby
- Mother’s ruin brought about by husband close at hand
- Horse and trap turning north — that's imminent
- Sounds like Mr Bevan is near
- Not far from knight without armour?
- Approaching titled gentleman naked
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "close at hand" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case close at hand = nigh.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NIGH mean?
NIGH verb- To draw nigh (to); to approach; to come near
- Near, close by
- Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.; closely allied; intimate.
- Almost, nearly.
- Near; close to