Si a mano viene

Si a mano viene
 

Hello

Could somebody please explain to me the origin of the expression "si a mano viene"? I found this in the novel Noli Me Tangere and in the english version of the novel it is translated as " if occasion should arise".

Thank you

DRAE gives,
(under "mano")
si a ~ viene. 1. expr. Si llega el caso, por ventura, tal vez.


So the English translation seems ad hoc, i.e., "if occasion should arise"... literally, if it "comes to hand"...



Hope that helps.

If it comes handy....

Thank you.