right-and-left

right-and-left

A boxer throws a right-and-left combination at the punching bag.

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • Extending to both sides: "right-and-left" describes something that involves or pertains to both the right and left sides, or is done with both hands.
    • Bilateral or two-sided: In firearms, it refers to a gun with two barrels, one on the right and one on the left, allowing for two shots in quick succession.

  2. Noun:

    • A double shot: In shooting, a "right-and-left" is a shot fired from both barrels of a double-barreled gun, typically in rapid succession.
    • A boxing combination: In sports, a "right-and-left" is a punch sequence where a right-handed punch is followed by a left-handed punch.
Usage Examples

  • Adjective:

    • He used a right-and-left screw to fasten the joint. (A screw that can be turned both clockwise and counterclockwise.)
    • The hunter carried a right-and-left shotgun for bird hunting. (A double-barreled gun with barrels on both sides.)

  • Noun:

    • The shooter took a right-and-left at the two clay pigeons. (He fired both barrels in quick succession.)
    • The boxer landed a powerful right-and-left on his opponent's jaw. (A combination of a right punch followed by a left punch.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to fire a right-and-left": to discharge both barrels of a double-barreled gun at once or in rapid succession.

    • The marksman fired a right-and-left, hitting both targets. (He fired both barrels, hitting two separate targets.)

  • "a right-and-left argument": a rhetorical technique that attacks an issue from both sides.

    • The lawyer presented a right-and-left argument, addressing both legal and moral concerns. (He argued from two perspectives.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Right-and-left-handed (adj): ambidextrous; able to use both hands equally well.

    • She is a right-and-left-handed pianist, playing complex passages with ease. (She can use both hands skillfully.)

  • Right-and-left shot (n): a shot fired from a double-barreled gun.

    • The right-and-left shot echoed across the field. (The sound of two barrels firing in sequence.)
Synonyms
  • Two-sided: having or involving two sides.
  • Bilateral: relating to or affecting both sides.
  • Double-barreled: (of a gun) having two barrels.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None: "right-and-left" is not used as a phrasal verb component.
Related Idioms
  • Right and left: in all directions; on all sides.
    • He was throwing punches right and left during the brawl. (He was hitting in every direction.)