light-handed
Americanadjective
-
having the hands lightly or only slightly encumbered, as with parcels or bundles.
-
having a light touch; handling things delicately and deftly.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 • Feb. 26, 2024
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 • Sep. 18, 2023
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 • Jun. 21, 2022
Their attempt at a rescue is typical of their summer affair, goodhearted but light-handed.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2022
But the light-handed Partha cut them off before they could reach him.
From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose Virata Parva by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
