手元

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 手元(てもと) means an area close at hand or what is currently in one's possession and available.
• Basic usage: It is used for keeping working materials nearby or having cash available now.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• に as a location marker
  • In 手元に置いて, に marks where something is placed.
• Availability and holding something
  • 手元に現金がほとんどない means having very little cash on hand at present.
  • It is not limited to whether cash is physically being held in someone's hand.