left-handed

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   using the left hand more naturally or skillfully than the right

   The left-handed batter stood on the opposite side of the plate.

2. 2
   adj

   made or arranged for use with the left hand

   She ordered a left-handed pair of scissors for the classroom.

3. 3
   adj

   indirect, ambiguous, hostile, or of doubtful sincerity

   The king gave Huck a left-handed look that warned him to be careful.

4. 4
   adj

   dated: awkward or clumsy, especially with the hands

   His left-handed attempt to repair the clock bent one of its gears.

From left hand + -ed. The literal sense describes habitual hand use. Older cultural associations of the left side with awkwardness or ill omen produced figurative senses such as 'indirect,' 'dubious,' and 'insincere.'

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