What does the idiom "be all fingers and thumbs" mean?
Are you using the idiom be all fingers and thumbs but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the be all fingers and thumbs idiom and the situations in which it is used.
Meaning of "be all fingers and thumbs"
Meaning
The phrase "be all fingers and thumbs" is a idiom used to describe a person who is clumsy, awkward and not very adept at doing certain tasks that require dexterity. It is usually used to refer to someone who is particularly inept at manual labor or a craft type activity that requires fine motor skills. Other related idioms are "all thumbs" or "two left hands".
Etymology
The origins of this phrase are quite unclear. Some believe that it might be related to the phrase "to feel for something with your fingers", which implies clumsiness and awkwardness. Another theory is that it originated from the days of chimney sweeping, as soot on chimneys was called "thumbs", and the sweeps had to use their hands and fingers to clean.
Usage
This phrase is usually used in a lighthearted and slightly critical way, usually in the form of a joke. It is usually used to describe someone's clumsiness, such as when they are struggling to do a task or craft, or simply not very adept at it. It is not usually used in an overly serious or insulting way.
Example Sentences
- I'm sorry, I'm a bit all fingers and thumbs when it comes to building flatpack furniture.
- As a new seamstress, Mary was all fingers and thumbs when it came to sewing.
- My husband is all thumbs when it comes to gardening.
The power of idioms transcends languages!
"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.
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