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

The hypothesized one-two punch of earthquakes was probably “not just a black swan chance-in-a-million,” Goldfinger said.

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The Big Bear earthquake of 1992 was the second of a one-two punch of temblors that occurred on the same day.

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And yet, even for its near-total lack of narrative and emotional thrust throughout, “The Smashing Machine” is frequently buttressed by its unassailable visual elegance and Johnson’s commendable performance, two components that feel like the occasional one-two punch of a fighter not ready to give up.

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Jaxson Hayes, who was thrust into the starting role out of necessity but fell out of the rotation during the playoffs, will be a valuable one-two punch with Ayton at center, James said.

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“It was a good one-two punch,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said.

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Related Words

• blow 
• jab 
• shot 
• slap 
• stroke