Pronunciation: [wɒst hˈandi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wast handy" may seem confusing at first glance, but it is actually a unique spelling of the phrase "wasn't handy." The apostrophe and the letter "n" have been dropped, creating a contraction. IPA phonetic transcription for "wasn't handy" is /ˈwʌzənt ˈhændi/. This contraction may be difficult to understand or recognize for non-native speakers, as contractions can often change the pronunciation of words.
"Wast handy" is an archaic idiomatic phrase that dates back to the Middle English period. It is derived from Old English and is a combination of the word "wast," meaning "were," and "handy," indicating "at hand" or "nearby." When used together, "wast handy" implies a circumstance or situation where something is easily accessible or readily available.
This phrase is often used to describe the convenience or proximity of an object, person, or resource. It suggests that whatever is being referred to is conveniently situated or within reach, making it easy to use or utilize. For instance, if someone says, "I needed a pen to write a note, and luckily a pen wast handy on my desk," it signifies that the individual found a pen nearby on their desk.
However, due to its archaic nature, the phrase "wast handy" is seldom used in modern English. Instead, contemporary language has evolved to utilize more straightforward expressions that convey the same meaning. Terms such as "easily available," "within reach," or "close by" are more commonly employed to communicate the idea of something being conveniently accessible.
