Science fiction by LarryNiven and JerryPournelle. The sequel to TheMoteInGodsEye. See also: GrippingHand.

The title is reference to a species of 3-armed aliens, who have 2 smaller, dextrous arms, and one larger strong arm.  They discuss alternatives as "On the one hand.....,on the other hand,...on the gripping hand"
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CategoryBook, CategoryIdiom (used frequently by geeks all over the world, apparently)