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.

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Other Word Forms

• light-handedly adverb
• light-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of light-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

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

But it’s as if the familiar madcap beats have been wrapped around a drama, and the result is somehow light-handed yet deft and authentic in its treatment of grief’s long tail.

From New York Times

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

Writing in The New York Times, the critic Parul Sehgal described Levy’s lucid prose as “light-handed” and leaving “a pleasant sting‌,” and ‌Levy has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize twice.

From New York Times

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