Synonyms

right-hand man

American

noun

an indispensable or invaluable assistant; right hand.

right-hand man Idioms

Also, right-hand woman. A trusted helper, as in Give it to Jill, she's my right-hand man. Based on the idea that in most people the right hand is the stronger of the two, this idiom today usually disregards gender, as in the example. However, in the the 17th and 18th centuries it also meant a soldier in a post of command on the right side of a cavalry unit, and then always denoted a man. [c. 1800]

Etymology

Origin of right-hand man

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As the general secretary of European football's governing body, Infantino had been the right-hand man of president Platini for seven years.

From BBC

Authorities also announced the death of his right-hand man.

From Barron's

Rachel managed to deceive and conquer throughout the game with her right-hand man, fellow traitor and fellow winner Stephen, who was someone she trusted from the start.

From BBC

Instead, in early February, Justice Phil Berger Jr., Newby’s right-hand man and presumed heir on the court, circulated a draft of a special order agreeing to the rehearing, sources familiar with the matter said.

From Salon

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tapped the phone of Morgan’s right-hand man, Kenneth Bash, according to an agent’s affidavit that was filed in federal court.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023