Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing

idiom
/ðə raɪt hænd ˈdʌzənt noʊ wʌt ðə lɛft hænd ɪz ˈduɪŋ/
Definition
This phrase describes a situation where two parts of an organization or group are unaware of each other’s activities, leading to confusion or miscommunication.
Examples
  • In our team, it’s like the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing; one person is planning a project while another is working on something completely unrelated.
  • When businesses merge, sometimes the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing, creating confusion among employees.
Meaning
It implies a lack of coordination or communication between different people or departments, often resulting in inefficiency or errors.
Synonyms
  • disconnected
  • out of sync
  • uncoordinated
  • misaligned