right-hand man

USAGE SUMMARY

"right-hand man" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe someone who is very close to and helpful to another person, often in a professional or business setting. For example, you might say, "John has been my right-hand man for almost 10 years now, and I don't know what I'd do without him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dracula's right-hand "man"?

The New Yorker

Mr. Merlin was his right-hand man.

The New York Times

Steve Hilton - David Cameron's right-hand man.

The Guardian

He's Southside Johnny's right-hand man.

The New York Times

"He was Mr. Putin's right-hand man.

The New York Times

He was Charles Manson's right-hand man".

The Guardian

Richard was my right-hand man".

The New York Times

"Gabe was my best friend, my right-hand man.

The New Yorker

He regards Sullivan as an invaluable right-hand man.

The New York Times - Sports

No wonder they called him Castro's right-hand man.

Independent

Brown has been Blair's right-hand man for twelve years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "right-hand man", consider whether a more gender-neutral term like "right-hand person" is more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

While "right-hand man" is widely understood, be aware that it implies a male assistant. Opt for "right-hand person" or other alternatives to be more inclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right-hand man" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a person in a key support role, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "right-hand man" is a noun phrase denoting a trusted and indispensable male assistant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider inclusivity by using alternatives like "right-hand person". It frequently appears in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic sources. Top authoritative sources using the phrase include the The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Right-hand person

A more gender-neutral alternative to "right-hand man".

Trusted deputy

Combines trust and authority, indicating a dependable second-in-command.

Chief aide

Highlights the supportive role, typically in political or official contexts.

Second-in-command

Clearly defines the person's position as next in line after the leader.

Key associate

Emphasizes the importance of the person's role, often in a professional setting.

Lieutenant

Implies a hierarchical structure, suggesting someone in a subordinate but crucial position.

Trusted advisor

Focuses on providing counsel and guidance, rather than just assistance.

Deputy

Indicates someone who can act in place of the leader, carrying significant responsibility.

Valued assistant

Stresses the appreciation for the person's help and contributions.

Confidant

Highlights the trust and close personal relationship between the individuals.

FAQs

What does "right-hand man" mean?

The phrase "right-hand man" refers to a trusted and indispensable male assistant or associate.

What's a gender-neutral alternative to "right-hand man"?

A suitable gender-neutral alternative is "right-hand person".

How can I use "right-hand man" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person who is a key assistant, for example: "He was known as the CEO's "right-hand man"".

Is it offensive to use the phrase "right-hand man"?

While not inherently offensive, using "right-hand person" is often preferred for its inclusivity.