Phrase guide

two left hands

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /tuː lɛft hæn(d)z/

1

noun

Meaning 1

Lack of dexterity in either hand; being ambilevous.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • I've never been good at sewing; I guess I've got two left hands.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see two, left, hands.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Calque of French avoir deux mains gauches.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: kétbalkezes — lacking dexterity in either hand
  • Polish: dwie lewe ręce — lacking dexterity in either hand
  • Russian: кривору́кий (krivorúkij) — lacking dexterity in either hand
  • Russian: ру́ки-крю́ки (rúki-krjúki) — lacking dexterity in either hand
  • Spanish: manco — lacking dexterity in either hand