right hand man
n. countablen. the most important person who helps someone get their work done. This person is usually very loyal and you can trust them with your most difficult tasks.
n. a chief assistant or loyal associate who provides essential support to a person in a position of authority. Although the term is gendered, it is frequently applied regardless of the assistant's gender in casual contexts.
He is the manager's right hand man.
The CEO relied on her right hand man to handle all the difficult negotiations while she focused on the company's long-term vision.
In historical narratives, the success of a great leader is often attributed to a loyal right hand man who managed the logistics of the campaign with invisible efficiency.
Commonly used as a compound noun; despite the word 'man', it is often used figuratively for any top assistant.
Last updated July 28, 2026