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.'

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary