What does “All fingers and thumbs” mean?
"All fingers and thumbs" means being clumsy or awkward.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I tried to tie my shoelaces, but I was all fingers and thumbs.
Example
He's not very good at cooking; he's always all fingers and thumbs in the kitchen.
Example
She tried to fix the broken vase, but ended up knocking over more things - she was all fingers and thumbs
Is “All fingers and thumbs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All fingers and thumbs” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All fingers and thumbs” effectively in context?
You can use "All fingers and thumbs" to describe someone who is clumsy or awkward, especially when performing tasks that require manual dexterity. For example, if a friend is struggling to tie their shoelaces, you might say, 'Don't worry, we all have those moments when we're all fingers and thumbs.'
- 1Daily Activities
I tried to tie my shoelaces, but I was all fingers and thumbs.
- 2Cooking
He's not very good at cooking; he's always all fingers and thumbs in the kitchen.
- 3Fixing Things
She tried to fix the broken vase, but ended up knocking over more things - she was all fingers and thumbs.
Similar phrases to “All fingers and thumbs”:
Someone who frequently drops or fumbles objects
Example
He's such a butterfingers, always dropping his phone.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All fingers and thumbs” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All fingers and thumbs" is unknown.
Is “All fingers and thumbs” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "All fingers and thumbs" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used humorously to describe someone's clumsiness or lack of coordination.
What tone does “All fingers and thumbs” have?
"All fingers and thumbs" conveys a lighthearted and playful tone. It is typically used in a friendly or teasing manner to gently poke fun at someone's clumsiness.
Can “All fingers and thumbs” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "All fingers and thumbs" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a casual expression that is commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's always all fingers and thumbs when it comes to using tools.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, I'm all "fingers and thumbs"!' to acknowledge a clumsy mistake.
