✋ Let Not Thy Left Hand Know What Thy Right Hand Doeth 🤚
Definition:
An uncoordinated action; also, taking a stand on an issue despite one’s ambivalence.
Origin:
This term appears in the Bible (Matthew 6:3) with a quite different meaning. Quoting Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel writer says one should do good quietly rather than publicize one’s actions: “When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret.” Over the centuries, the idea of secrecy vanished, and the term was applied first to individuals who took a stand or acted without being wholly committed to that direction. Later, it was used to describe organizations where one branch or department acted in ways quite contrary to another.
Synonyms:
- Disjointed action
- Mismatched intentions
- Uncoordinated efforts
Antonyms:
- Unified action
- Cohesive effort
- Coordinated maneuver
Related Proverbs & Sayings:
- Too many cooks spoil the broth. – When too many people get involved, the outcome is often disorderly.
- The right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing. – Similar in spirit, emphasizing lack of communication.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Corporate strategy is like two people getting into two different cabs and hoping to meet up later.” – Parabolica Scripted.
- “Trying to work in a disorganized company is like getting advice from both your angel and devil shoulder-mates at the same time. Confusing and oddly entertaining.” - Clarence Charitycheese
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies References:
- Book: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - highlighting the absurdities and contradictions of war.
- Poem: The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe - illustrating how various perceptions contribute to an incomplete view.
- Movie: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - showcasing bureaucratic and organizational failings.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
To unify our actions and intentions in life, perhaps we need to inspire our “right hands” and “left hands” to harmonize rather than compete. Let’s strive for clarity, though a sprinkle of chaos does season our journey. Let’s aim to be both thoughtful and efficient, lest we end up in a cab conundrum! Keep the balance, enjoy the dance!
