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Showing results for light-handed. Search instead for light-and-dark.

light-handed

American  
[lahyt-han-did] / ˈlaɪtˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

  1. short-handed.

  2. having the hands lightly or only slightly encumbered, as with parcels or bundles.

  3. having a light touch; handling things delicately and deftly.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of light-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Their light-handed approach is still legible in the artifacts and settlement patterns of post-Collapse farming communities and preserved in the flexible tribute schedules for Maya farmers documented by 16th century Spanish monks.

From Salon ● Feb. 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Monday defended OPEC+ cuts to oil market supply, saying international energy markets need light-handed regulation to limit volatility.

From Reuters ● Sep. 18, 2023

I would encourage you to experiment with the spices here — I’ve kept mine pretty light-handed, though a little bit of zip from the cayenne does come through.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 21, 2022

By all accounts, no company has profited more under this light-handed regime than bet365.

From New York Times ● Mar. 26, 2021

It was delightful to feel oneself so light-handed.

From Relics of General Chasse by Anthony Trollope

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