one-two

American  

[wuhn-too] / ˈwʌnˈtu /

noun

1. Also called one-two punch.  Boxing. a left-hand jab immediately followed by a right cross.

2. Informal. any strong or effective combination of two people or things.

   The old one-two of a good passer and a good receiver is the best way to win football games.

3. Fencing. a type of attack made up of two movements.

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adjective

1. employing or suggesting a one-two; with one major or powerful thing or person combined with or following another.

one-two British  

noun

1. boxing a jab with the leading hand followed by a cross with the other hand

2. soccer another term for wall pass

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Etymology

Origin of one-two

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Investors are bracing for what comes next: a possible one-two punch of higher oil prices and higher-for-longer interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

It was a Mullins one-two in the Novices' Chase with a brilliant jumping display from 11-1 chance Kitzbuhel allowing him to hold off the challenge of 7-2 shot Final Demand.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Sunderland made the perfect start in the ninth minute when Diarra played a one-two with Brian Brobbey and surged into the penalty area.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

If the idea was to de-ice Melania for viewers and, in turn, make them forget about the allegations against Ratner, this one-two punch in the film’s first 10 minutes only portends glorious failure.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

It’s better in the afternoons with Brother Vu, who just wants us to do front kicks and back kicks, at times adding one-two punches.

From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

Related Words

• blow
• jab
• shot
• slap
• stroke