Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
light-fingered — thievish, 1540s, from LIGHT (Cf. light) (adj.1) + FINGER (Cf. finger) … Etymology dictionary
light-fingered — [līt′fiŋ΄gərd] adj. 1. having a light, delicate touch 2. a) skillful at stealing, esp. by picking pockets b) thievish light fingeredness n … English World dictionary
Light-fingered — Light fin gered (l[imac]t f[i^][ng] g[ e]rd), a. Dexterous in taking and conveying away; thievish; pilfering; addicted to petty thefts. Fuller. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
light-fingered — light fin|gered [ ,laıt fıŋgərd ] adjective someone who is light fingered often steals things … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
light-fingered — adj informal likely to steal things … Dictionary of contemporary English
light-fingered — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ prone to steal … English terms dictionary
light-fingered — adjective having nimble fingers literally or figuratively; especially for stealing or picking pockets a light fingered burglar who can crack the combination of a bank vault Harry Hansen the light fingered thoughtfulness...of the most civilized… … Useful english dictionary
light-fingered — thieving It indicates a propensity to lift small objects: ... Rose and Crown public house, resorted to by all classes of light fingered gentry. (Mayhew, 1862) An old superstition has passed into oblivion: The baby s nails must… … How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms
light-fingered — adjective our light fingered cashier Syn: thieving, stealing, pilfering, shoplifting, dishonest; informal sticky fingered, crooked Ant: honest … Thesaurus of popular words
light-fingered — ADJ GRADED If you say that someone is light fingered, you mean that they steal things. [INFORMAL] … English dictionary
light-fingered — UK [ˌlaɪt ˈfɪŋɡə(r)d] / US [ˌlaɪt ˈfɪŋɡərd] adjective someone who is light fingered often steals things … English dictionary
