light-handed

[ lahyt-han-did ]

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 Words From

• light-handed·ly adverb
• light-handed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of light-handed¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Claudia Roden's approach to Middle Eastern culinary culture is at once light-handed and scholarly.

From The Daily Beast

Elizabeth Ann's head whirled with this second light-handed juggling with the sacred distinction between the grades.

From Project Gutenberg

Much to Milly's surprise, the artist proved to have a sense of figures, light handed as he had shown himself before marriage.

From Project Gutenberg

Light-handed as we were, and without an efficient head, I was aware that our situation was a critical one.

From Project Gutenberg

If it is blowing fresh and the ship light-handed, take it to the windlass.

From Project Gutenberg

The anchor was weighed, and the transport ran out under her fore-topsail, as they were light-handed, and had to secure the anchor.

From Project Gutenberg