on the one hand

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument

Why this phrase?

One hand represents the first side of a comparison, normally paired with 'on the other hand'.

Example

“On the one hand, I'd love to travel; on the other, I can't afford it.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

on one hand

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

happily ever after Informal · CEFR B1

living a happy life forever, especially as the end of a story

on the other hand Neutral · CEFR B1

used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative

fair game Neutral · CEFR B2

a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism

give someone a piece of your mind Informal · CEFR B2

To tell someone angrily what you really think of them.

kick up a fuss Informal · CEFR B2

to react with a noisy, angry complaint, often over a minor issue

put words in someone's mouth Neutral · CEFR B2

to claim falsely that someone expressed an opinion or made a statement

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

markdown