English idiom

on the other hand

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative

Why this phrase?

The two hands represent opposing sides of a comparison; this phrase turns attention to the alternative side.

Example

“The job pays well; on the other hand, the hours are very long.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

on the one hand

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

in a nutshell

expressed in a very brief and simple way

take home message

the main point or lesson you should remember from something

the other side of the coin

a different or opposite aspect of a situation

bad news

an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble

so far so good

used to say that things have gone well up to now

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.

External links

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