light-handed

[lahyt-han-did]

adjective

short-handed.
having the hands lightly or only slightly encumbered, as with parcels or bundles.
having a light touch; handling things delicately and deftly.

Origin of light-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Related formslight-hand·ed·ly, adverblight-hand·ed·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for light-handed

Contemporary Examples of light-handed

Claudia Roden's approach to Middle Eastern culinary culture is at once light-handed and scholarly.
Fresh Picks
Jody Adams
April 27, 2010

Historical Examples of light-handed

John Storm went home that day light-handed but with a heavy heart.
The Christian
Hall Caine
But the light-handed Partha cut them off before they could reach him.
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 4
Kisari Mohan Ganguli
He was light-handed, quick, deferential, and soothing—a prince among Orderlies.
"Contemptible"
"Casualty"
That's how I put it, in an easy, light-handed, convincing sort of way.
Armadale
Wilkie Collins
The medical reports promised well, and Hay's letters were as humorous and light-handed as ever.
The Education of Henry Adams
Henry Adams