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

The legislation is the first part of a one-two punch.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was a Swiss one-two as Odermatt's teammate Franjo von Allmen claimed second spot just 0.03sec behind, while Austrian fans had something to cheer about as Stefan Babinsky rounded out the podium.

From Barron's

Former winner Jay Vine and defending champion Jhonatan Narvaez completed a one-two for UAE Team Emirates XRG to dominate the second stage of the Tour Down Under near Adelaide on Thursday.

From Barron's

That famous hold-your-powder strategy helped Buffett and Jain expand Berkshire’s insurance business in 2023 after a one-two punch of hurricanes and market losses left other property insurers and reinsurers reeling.

From The Wall Street Journal

Buying a house has been unaffordable for many Americans in recent years due to a one-two punch of elevated mortgage rates and a low inventory, which has pushed up home prices to record highs.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• blow
• jab
• shot
• slap
• stroke