What does “Fingers and thumbs” mean?
"Fingers and thumbs" means having difficulty coordinating or using one's hands.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the accident, he was all fingers and thumbs and couldn't tie his shoelaces.
Example
She's not very good at playing the piano; she's always fingers and thumbs.
Example
I tried to fix the broken toy, but I was all fingers and thumbs and couldn't figure it out
Is “Fingers and thumbs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“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 “Fingers and thumbs” effectively in context?
You can use "Fingers and Thumbs" to describe someone who is having difficulty coordinating or using their hands. It emphasizes clumsiness or a lack of dexterity. For example, if a friend is struggling to tie their shoelaces, you might say, 'You're all fingers and thumbs today!'
- 1Physical Activities
After the accident, he was all fingers and thumbs and couldn't tie his shoelaces.
- 2Skills or Talents
She's not very good at playing the piano; she's always fingers and thumbs.
- 3Problem Solving
I tried to fix the broken toy, but I was all fingers and thumbs and couldn't figure it out.
Similar phrases to “Fingers and thumbs”:
Someone who frequently drops things or has poor hand-eye coordination
Example
She's such a butterfingers; she dropped her phone three times today.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fingers and thumbs” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fingers and Thumbs" is unknown.
Is “Fingers and thumbs” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fingers and Thumbs" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is clumsy or having difficulty with manual tasks.
What tone does “Fingers and thumbs” have?
"Fingers and Thumbs" conveys a tone of light-heartedness and humor. It's often used in a playful or teasing manner to gently poke fun at someone's lack of coordination.
Can “Fingers and thumbs” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Fingers and Thumbs" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common experience of clumsiness. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as work meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's all fingers and thumbs when it comes to cooking.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, "fingers and thumbs"!' to acknowledge a clumsy mistake.
