ALL THUMBS Meaning and
Definition
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The idiomatic expression "all thumbs" refers to a person who is clumsy, awkward, or uncoordinated when performing manual tasks or handling objects. To be "all thumbs" means to lack dexterity or finesse in the use of one's hands or fingers.
The term originates from the literal interpretation of having all fingers as thumbs, emphasizing the ineptitude or inability to perform tasks that require precise manual skills. A person who is all thumbs may frequently drop objects, struggle with delicate tasks, or exhibit a general lack of coordination when engaging in manual activities.
The phrase is often used humorously or metaphorically to describe someone who is clumsy or unfortunate in their attempts to handle objects or execute tasks. It can be employed to describe both temporary moments of clumsiness and a consistent lack of manual dexterity. For example, someone who consistently spills drinks or accidentally knocks over items on a table may be labeled as "all thumbs."
Although the phrase generally has a negative connotation, it is often used lightheartedly and may be self-deprecating or affectionate. It is important to note that being "all thumbs" does not necessarily imply incompetence or lack of capability in other areas of life; it simply highlights a person's difficulty in handling objects or performing certain tasks smoothly.
Common Misspellings for ALL THUMBS
- zll thumbs
- sll thumbs
- wll thumbs
- qll thumbs
- akl thumbs
- apl thumbs
- aol thumbs
- alk thumbs
- alp thumbs
- alo thumbs
- all rhumbs
- all fhumbs
- all ghumbs
- all yhumbs
- all 6humbs
- all 5humbs
- all tgumbs
- all tbumbs
- all tnumbs
- all tjumbs
Etymology of ALL THUMBS
The phrase "all thumbs" is an idiomatic expression that means being clumsy or awkward in performing manual tasks, especially those requiring dexterity with the hands. The etymology of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century.
One possible explanation is that the phrase reflects the image of someone with all thumbs instead of fingers, suggesting a lack of dexterity. Another theory suggests that the phrase might have been derived from a corruption of the Old English word "thuma", which means thumb. In this case, "all thumbs" could imply that a person's hands are mostly composed of thumbs, again indicating a lack of skill or agility.
Regardless of its precise origin, "all thumbs" has become a commonly used expression to describe clumsiness or ineptitude in handling manual tasks.
Idioms with the word ALL THUMBS
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be all thumbs
The idiom "be all thumbs" refers to a person's lack of dexterity or clumsiness when it comes to handling objects or performing tasks that require fine motor skills. It suggests that the person is awkward, often dropping or fumbling with things due to their inability to manipulate objects skillfully with their fingers.
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be all thumbs, at be all fingers and thumbs
To be all thumbs, or to be all fingers and thumbs, means to be clumsy or awkward with one's hands, especially when trying to do something requiring manual dexterity.
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all thumbs
The idiom "all thumbs" refers to someone who is clumsy or awkward with their hands, often making mistakes or dropping things frequently.
