one-two

[ wuhn-too ]

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.

adjective

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

one-two

noun

1. boxing a jab with the leading hand followed by a cross with the other hand
2. soccer another term for wall pass

Word History and Origins

Origin of one-two¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

One might credit the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon for the uncharacteristic interest in the show since the one-two punch of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” became the best boost to happen to the post-pandemic theatrical space since “Top Gun: Maverick.”

From Salon

Leclerc and team-mate Carlos Sainz said on Thursday that Ferrari really needed a one-two in the race to have their best shot at their own first title since 2008.

From BBC

They had qualified one-two for the grand prix, with Verstappen ahead of Russell.

From BBC

First was an athletic swoop to hold Rachin Ravindra, then the one-two punch of Williamson and Mitchell.

From BBC

One of the key contributors to glioblastoma's poor outlook is its natural immunosuppression coupled with its intrinsic diversity -- a one-two punch that limits immune successes against controlling glioblastoma in patients.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• blow
• jab
• shot
• slap
• stroke