let one's left hand know what one's right hand is doing

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[let one's left hand know what one's right hand is doing] {v. phr.}

1. To make a show of your kindness or help to others. — Used in the negative.

* /The Bible tells us not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing when we give to the poor./

2. {informal} To let everyone taking part in something know what each is doing; encourage cooperation in working.

* /Tom told Fred and Bill to meet him in town, but he forgot to tell them where. Next time he'll let his left hand know what his right hand is doing./

- Often used in the negative.

* /Our team lost today because the coach and captain did not let the left hand know what the right was doing, and the players were all mixed up./

Tags:


	encourage ¹¹ hand ¹⁵¹ time ⁵⁴⁹ {informal} ¹⁴⁰¹ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸³

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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