right hand

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.
Origin
before 1000; Middle English; Old English

right-hand

[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.
Also, right-handed. Building Trades.
  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.
Origin
adj. use of right hand
Examples from the web for right-hand
  • If you put on your gloves, only your right hand fits into your right-hand glove.
  • Then they repeat the sequence on the right-hand side.
  • The right-hand part looks corrugated, with three alternating pairs of shallow matte ridges and grooves.
  • The right-hand chart illustrates the alternative theory.
  • Most claimed they were not allowed to supply right-hand-drive cars.
  • Clicking on a wave displays its contents in the right-hand column.
  • The right-hand chart shows a better measure of housing fundamentals-the relationship between house prices and rents.
  • After the image appears in your browser, click the right-hand button on your mouse.
  • Lots of salaams, lots of right-hand-over-your-heart greetings.
  • He insisted on driving, though his weakness and tremor defeated the mechanics of the right-hand turn.
British Dictionary definitions for right-hand

right-hand

adjective (prenominal)
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.
right-hand man, one's most valuable assistant or supporter
Word Origin and History for right-hand

right hand

n.

Old English rihthand; see right (adj.2) + hand (n.). Figurative for "indispensable person," 1520s; right-hand man first attested 1660s. Right-handed attested from late 14c.