right hand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, depending on usage. Literal use is neutral; figurative/metaphorical use is more formal.
Quick answer
What does “right hand” mean?
The hand on the right side of one's body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hand on the right side of one's body; often associated with dexterity, strength, or primary use.
A position of trust, authority, or primary assistance (e.g., a key deputy); also used adjectivally to describe something positioned on or intended for the right side.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both varieties use the literal and figurative senses identically. Spelling: UK tends to hyphenate the adjective more consistently (right-hand drive) while US may use open form (right hand drive), but both are found.
Connotations
Identical connotations of trust, primary importance, and dexterity.
Frequency
Figurative use ("right-hand man") is equally common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “right hand” in a Sentence
[possessive] + right hand (He injured his right hand.)the + right-hand + [noun] (the right-hand side)[be/become] + [someone's] + right hand (She became the manager's right hand.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “right hand” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to right-hand the ball into the net.
- The legislation was right-handed through parliament.
American English
- She right-handed the proposal to the committee.
- He right-handed the car into a tight space.
adverb
British English
- The path bends right-hand around the hill.
- Position the bracket right-hand of the centre.
American English
- Move the image right-hand on the screen.
- The fault lies right-hand of the main valve.
adjective
British English
- A right-hand drive vehicle.
- Take the right-hand turning just ahead.
- His right-hand pocket was empty.
American English
- A right-hand turn is prohibited here.
- Check the right-hand column for details.
- She sat in the right-hand seat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a trusted deputy or indispensable assistant (e.g., "She acts as the CEO's right hand").
Academic
Used literally in anatomy, psychology (laterality), or figuratively in historical/religious texts ("the right hand of God").
Everyday
Literal reference to the body part or direction ("It's on your right hand side").
Technical
In engineering (e.g., "right-hand thread"), driving ("right-hand drive vehicles"), or music ("right-hand technique").
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “right hand”
- Using 'right hand' without a possessive when referring to a person's own hand (e.g., 'I write with right hand' instead of '...with my right hand').
- Confusing 'right-hand' (adjective) with 'right hand' (noun phrase).
- Overusing the figurative sense in informal contexts where 'main assistant' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun phrase, it is typically two words (e.g., 'my right hand'). When used as an attributive adjective before a noun, it is often hyphenated (e.g., 'right-hand drive', 'right-hand man').
'Right hand' is a noun phrase (the hand itself). 'Right-hand' (with a hyphen) is a compound adjective used to describe a noun (e.g., right-hand corner, right-hand page).
Literally, yes—it refers to the physical hand on the right side of their body. Figuratively, as in 'right-hand man,' it refers to a position of trust, not physical handedness, so it can be used for anyone.
Its literal use is neutral. Its figurative use (e.g., 'right-hand man/woman') is common in both professional and semi-formal contexts. It is not overly formal but carries a tone of importance and trust.
The hand on the right side of one's body.
Right hand: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈhænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈhænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “my right-hand man”
- “give your right hand for something”
- “not know what your right hand is doing”
- “caught red-handed”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of shaking hands; most people use their RIGHT hand, making it the correct ('right') hand for the job.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/TRUST IS THE RIGHT HAND (e.g., "He is my right hand"). RIGHT IS CORRECT/PREFERRED (linked to the word 'right' meaning correct).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'right-hand' used purely literally?