right and left

Idioms

In or from all directions, on every side, as in Questions were coming right and left, or She was giving orders right and left. This idiom, first recorded in 1839, uses the directions right and left to signify all sides.

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.

Mayer said the RN benefits from the divisions of its opponents on the right and left but still showed "many weaknesses".

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

“Look, it’s an interesting time in my country, but most people, right and left, want the same. They want a job with dignity, health for themselves and their family,” he said.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

The 199th overall selection played right and left tackle at Pittsburgh, but the Chargers see him as a future guard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2025

The discrepancy between her right and left leg was causing problems, curving her spine and leaving her in constant pain.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2024

Once I turn down Seventy-Fourth Street, I look for Auntie Seema's building, my eyes scanning right and left down the block.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi

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