with one hand

The phrase "with one hand" is versatile, used both literally and figuratively to describe actions performed using only one hand or to indicate ease, limitation, or duality in effort.

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Definition

C1Idiomatic

(figurative)Referring to a situation where help is given in one way but taken away in another.

Example

  • The government gives with one hand and takes away with the other.

A2General

(literal)Using only a single hand to perform an action.

Example

  • She managed to type the entire report with one hand.

C2Vulgar

(euphemistic, informal)Referring to the act of masturbating.

Example

  • He joked about spending the evening with one hand.

B2Idiomatic

(figurative)Describing an action that can be done easily or with minimal effort.

Example

  • He can solve these math problems with one hand tied behind his back.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "with one hand":

with both handswith one hand tied behind one's backby handbare handfree handin handin onehand over handtwo left handsat a timerunning handwhip handon someone's handsat onerun handsraise one's handextend one's handpair of handsput one's hands onfor onehand in handwith one voiceby oneselfas onehold someone's hand