on the one hand

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on the one hand

He looked for any that distinguished between constitutional or statutory requirement, on the one hand, and what the editorial-writer considered the best outcome, on the other.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

Picardo describes the agreement as introducing "complete and utter fluidity of people and goods" between Gibraltar, on the one hand, and Spain and the EU on the other.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

I think, on the one hand, they’re a group of people who think that other people aren’t quite real.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

“It’s this weird thing, on the one hand, I want them to enjoy this connection they have,” Close said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2026

I would say that the whole life of any thinking African in this country drives him continuously to a conflict between his conscience on the one hand and the law on the other.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela