right-and-leftv.
/ˌrʌɪtən(d)ˈlɛft/, U.S. /ˌraɪdən(d)ˈlɛft/ rare.
intransitive. To move to the right and left successively, as part of a single action; to weave or dodge from right to left. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > sideways movement or a sideways movement > move sideways [verb (intransitive)] > turn from side to side or to right and left
wry1565
right-and-left1791
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > [verb (intransitive)] > escape from threat > take evasive action
jouk1513
parry1717
jink1786
right-and-left1856
1791 J. Fennell Lindor & Clara i. iii. 21 Dance! no:—if I do it must be to another tune, here's my partner, I'll right and left with her.
1856 C. Dickens Little Dorrit (1857) i. vii. 52 It took him a matter of ten weeks to set to his creditors, lead off, turn the Commissioners, and right and left back to his professional pursuits.
2005 Straits Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 13 July Don't get grand illusions about floating like a butterfly or stinging like a bee. Chances are you'll be right-and-lefting for a long while before moving on.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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