one-two

American  

[wuhn-too] / ˈwʌnˈtu /

noun

1. Also called one-two punch.  Boxing. a left-hand jab immediately followed by a right cross.

2. Informal. any strong or effective combination of two people or things.

   The old one-two of a good passer and a good receiver is the best way to win football games.

3. Fencing. a type of attack made up of two movements.

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adjective

1. employing or suggesting a one-two; with one major or powerful thing or person combined with or following another.

one-two British  

noun

1. boxing a jab with the leading hand followed by a cross with the other hand

2. soccer another term for wall pass

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Etymology

Origin of one-two

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

“You can call it a one-two punch,” said Ted Henken, a Cuba expert at Baruch College.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Kimi Antonelli led George Russell to a Mercedes one-two in a practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix that was interrupted after Alex Albon's Williams collided with a groundhog.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Notre Dame is expected to face Norco’s top one-two pitching duo of Coral Williams and Peyton May.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

George Russell led team-mate Kimi Antonelli to a Mercedes one-two ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris in first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

I heard feet pounding up the stairs, in a one-two rhythm that signaled Maggie’s arrival to the second floor.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• blow
• jab
• shot
• slap
• stroke