light-handed

[ lahyt-han-did ]

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

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

Origin of light-handed

1
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Other words from light-handed

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

Words Nearby light-handed

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use light-handed in a sentence

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

    Fresh Picks | Jody Adams | April 27, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • Elizabeth Ann's head whirled with this second light-handed juggling with the sacred distinction between the grades.

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

    One Woman's Life | Robert Herrick
  • light-handed as we were, and without an efficient head, I was aware that our situation was a critical one.

    Jack in the Forecastle | John Sherburne Sleeper
  • If it is blowing fresh and the ship light-handed, take it to the windlass.

    The Seaman's Friend | Richard Henry Dana
  • The anchor was weighed, and the transport ran out under her fore-topsail, as they were light-handed, and had to secure the anchor.

    Mr. Midshipman Easy | Captain Frederick Marryat