A ternary logic used when you are dealing with three equally unpleasant alternatives rather than
two; the third (gripping) hand being dominant or determinative. Expression common among sci fi geeks and computer people.
From a science fiction novel entitled "The Mote In God's Eye" where an intelligent alien race has evolved with
two minor arms (with fine fingers for work) on their right and one larger (gripping) arm with three strong fingers on their
left.
On the one hand, Obama's a knucklehead and I can't stand him. On the other hand, he still has a lot of people who thinks he walks on
water. On the gripping hand, we only have to put up with him for
two more years, so we shouldn't bother to
try to impeach him.