on the gripping hand

From a different, conflicting, or contradictory point of view. The phrase introduces a third statement or perspective that contrasts others that have been mentioned "on one hand" and "on the other hand." It comes from Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle's 1993 science-fiction novel The Gripping Hand, which features three-armed aliens. (The third arm, "the gripping hand," is especially strong.) This deal could really help the business get out of debt. Though, on the other hand, you'd just be indebted to the government instead. And, on the gripping hand, you're going to be stuck running this business that you don't love even longer.