On the Other Hand – Meaning, Origin and Usage

The saying 'on the other hand' is a common expression in the English language. The saying is usually used as an informal substitute for words like 'however', and the hand part is figurative. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of this expression.

Meaning

The phrase 'on the other hand' is a common figurative saying in the English language.

If someone says 'on the other hand' then the phrase has a similar meaning as to say the word 'however' as a counterpoint to what has already been said.

'On the other hand' is often used as a connective or comparative phrase which puts one thing against another.

The phrase is not commonly used in the denial form to indicate 'not on the other hand' and it would render an invalid phrase.

For the correct use of the saying 'on the other hand', the speaker usually has to make one statement and then use the expression.

Sometimes the speaker will state the comparison thereafter, or use 'on the other hand' to imply the rest of its meaning.

The phrase can be used as a serious saying, but it can also have humorous or sarcastic implications when used to compare a situation to something incredible, impossible or bizarre.

Example Usage

“Look, I'm in two minds about the restaurant we went to last night. I didn't like pineapple on the pizza, but on the other hand I kind of liked the type of cheese they used.”
“I paid a lot of money for my college degree, but on the other hand I'm happy that the money came from my parents instead of my own savings account.”
“You might get hit by a car when you cross the road today, but on the other hand, you also might not. That's just how the roulette of life works.”
“The movie might be great. On the other hand, the movie might be terrible. There's really no way you can tell anything about the movie before you've gone to see it yourself.”

Origin

The origin and first use of the phrase 'on the other hand' is not listed by most etymology resources that define the phrase.

From what is known about the origin of the phrase, 'on the other hand' was known to be a popular phrase by the 1800s – although its early use very well might have happened before this time.

After the 1800s, the phrase would become a common saying in newspapers and other media as a comparison phrase.

A possible origin for the phrase is cooking or baking, which might involve the rough weighing of ingredients 'on the other hand' although this is not a definitive answer accepted by all.

The phrase continued as an English saying well into the 1900s, where it would be used with its meaning unchanged since its earlier appearances in the language.

Phrases Similar to On The Other Hand

  • By the way
  • However

Phrases Opposite to On The Other Hand

  • N/a

What is the Correct Saying?

  • On the other hand

Ways People May Say On The Other Hand Incorrectly

There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'on the other hand' in the wrong way, or misunderstand what the saying means.

The phrase 'on the other hand' is figurative, and the 'other hand' refers to what is being compared in the statement made by the speaker.

One common incorrect use of the phrase is to say 'on the other hands', as opposed to 'on the other hand'.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase On The Other Hand

The correct way to use the phrase 'on the other hand' is to use the phrase to make a comparison between one thing and other.

The phrase 'on the other hand' is used in the same way as a speaker might use the term 'however' in a sentence.

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