right and left

Idioms  

1. In or from all directions, on every side, as in Questions were coming right and left, or She was giving orders right and left. This idiom, first recorded in 1839, uses the directions right and left to signify all sides.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

right and left

Both the right and left midfielders almost looked like third and fourth central midfielders.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

The scenes sparked criticism from politicians on the right and left.

From Barron's ● May 31, 2026

In just six months, he has helped orchestrate the defection of five lawmakers—representing both the right and left of the political spectrum, from different parts of Canada—to his governing Liberal caucus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026

“Look, it’s an interesting time in my country, but most people, right and left, want the same. They want a job with dignity, health for themselves and their family,” he said.

From Salon ● Nov. 30, 2025

Dribbling three times with both his right and left hand, Bull went into a strangely graceful crouch and threw up an arcing two-hand set shot that swished through the net.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy