lone hand
Americannoun
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Cards.
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a person who holds a hand so strong that they can play a deal without the hand of their partner.
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the hand played by a person whose hand is strong enough to play a deal without a partner.
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a person who by preference conducts their affairs without the advice or assistance of others.
She is known as a lone hand in investment circles.
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a stand or action taken independently.
A lone hand in the trade negotiations threw off all plans.
noun
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(in card games such as euchre) an independent player or hand played without a partner
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to operate without assistance
Etymology
Origin of lone hand
First recorded in 1790–1800
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.
Thing, the lone hand played by Romanian magician Victor Dorobantu, perhaps has the most screen time of anyone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2025
Jonny Bairstow was caught down the leg side off the first ball of the chase and Joe Root followed for 13, leaving Ben Stokes to play a lone hand as he threatened another special knock.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2023
Once again, Kohli will have to play a lone hand – though Pant could be an exciting partner for him.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 18, 2018
When the applause fades, we see a lone hand holding a quill to parchment.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2017
But unless you hold a grudge longer than I do, there’s no need for you to play a lone hand.
From The Land of Frozen Suns by Sinclair, Bertrand W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
