right hand man
Chief assistant figure
A right hand man is someone's most trusted assistant or chief supporter—the person who handles important tasks and can be relied upon completely.
The phrase evokes a deputy standing at the position of honor, ready to act: She's been his right hand man for twenty years.
Despite the gendered language, the expression applies to anyone in this role.
- sidekickSubordinate adventure partner
- number twoDeputy or runner-up
- lieutenantJunior commissioned officer
- second in commandSubordinate who assumes leadership
- deputyAuthorized substitute or assistant
second · trusted · trusted ally · loyal · confidant · assistant · aide · partner · wingman · go-to guy · support · ally · inner circle · reliable · faithful · loyal servant · henchman · advisor
- body idiomsheart of gold, heart of stone, cold heart, warm heart, soft heart
- backup rolesvice president, deputy, understudy, backup singer, reserve player
- Hierarchy termspecking order, junior, chain of command, secondary, totem pole