right hand

¹ American  

noun

1. the hand that is on the right side, or the side opposite that where the heart is.

2. the right side, as of a person, especially this side considered as the side of precedence or courtesy.

3. a position of honor or special trust.

4. an extremely efficient or reliable person or, sometimes, tool, especially a person considered as one's assistant.

---

right-hand ² American  

[rahyt-hand] / ˈraɪtˈhænd /

adjective

1. on the right.

2. of, for, or with the right hand.

3. most reliable, valuable, or useful, as a helper or assistant.

4. plain-laid.

5. Building Trades. Also

   1. (of a door) having the hinges on the right when seen from the exterior of the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.

   2. (of a casement sash) having the hinges on the right when seen from inside the window.

---

right-hand British  

adjective

1. of, relating to, located on, or moving towards the right

   a right-hand bend

   this car has right-hand drive

2. for use by the right hand; right-handed

3. one's most valuable assistant or supporter

---

Etymology

Origin of right hand¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Origin of right-hand²

adj. use of right hand

Example Sentences

It’s how I became his right hand in terms of managing all things marina.

From Literature

Those are the first words of the military Oath of Enlistment—the words that new members of the military, with right hands raised, intone as they join the service.

From The Wall Street Journal

She stepped down as attorney general, but amassed even greater influence as Maduro’s right hand, able to direct policy and distribute favors without restriction.

From The Wall Street Journal

As my bare right hand moved to protect the ball when it entered my glove, it suddenly bounced up sharply and hit the tip of my right hand’s middle finger.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chirality refers to objects that cannot be superimposed on their mirror images, like left and right hands.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• crucial
• fundamental
• imperative
• important
• indispensable
• main
• necessary
• needed
• vital