on the one hand

Idioms

Also, on one hand. As one point of view, from one standpoint. This phrase is often paired with on the other hand to indicate two sides of an issue. For example, On the one hand this car is expensive; on the other hand, it's available and we need it right now. [First half of 1600s]

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.

Hansen, who opened his store in 2001, hopes the next government will help small businesses, squeezed by online shopping and large shopping centres on the one hand and rising prices on the other.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

I think on the one hand he shared a problem with his entire world of aristocrats.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

The shooting in Minneapolis serves as a stark reminder of the stubborn gap that often persists between law and policy on the one hand and best law enforcement practices for protecting life on the other.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2026

But policymakers disagree about how the Fed should balance competing priorities: a weakening job market on the one hand, and rising prices on the other.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Since completing my Ph.D. in 1961, I have divided my scientific research efforts between two fields: molecular physiology on the one hand, evolutionary biology and biogeography on the other hand.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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