light-fingered

American  

[lahyt-fing-gerd] / ˈlaɪtˈfɪŋ gərd /

adjective

1. skillful at or given to pilfering, especially by picking pockets; thievish.

2. having light and nimble fingers.

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light-fingered British  

adjective

1. having nimble or agile fingers, esp for thieving or picking pockets

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Other Word Forms

• light-fingeredness noun

Etymology

Origin of light-fingered

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

The owners erected it at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, but keeping out the light-fingered primates was also a prime concern.

From Seattle Times

Given the movie’s light-fingered treatment of some facts around the two most important men in Winehouse’s life, the picture starts to sharpen.

From New York Times

Some great movies do play better in the memory, even if “Asteroid City,” light-fingered and leaden by turns, never quite ascends into their company.

From Los Angeles Times

On its 1990s albums, Matthews’s guitar — often acoustic — was the band’s only chordal instrument, joined in light-fingered counterpoint by saxophone, violin, bass and drums for staccato grooves that blended folk, funk and jazz.

From New York Times

Mr. Washington’s guitar playing was lean, light-fingered and harmonically rich, conveying a relaxed authority as it teased and jabbed.

From New York Times

Related Words

• crooked
• rapacious