sure-handed
Americanadjective
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using the hands with skill and confidence; dexterous.
-
done with skill and proficiency.
a sure-handed sketch of a proposed building.
-
displaying the skill and experience of an expert.
a sure-handed politician.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sure-handed
First recorded in 1945–50
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.
This contemplates the Rams selecting USC receiver Makai Lemon, although it’s entirely possible that the sure-handed Trojans star will already be gone by the time the 13th pick rolls around.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026
The sure-handed Puka Nacua dropped a sure touchdown pass.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 11, 2026
This would reunite Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines tight end, and give Justin Herbert another sure-handed target.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2025
His mother, Judy, patches up the damage, in a typically sure-handed performance by Jennifer Lopez, negotiating mixed emotions.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2024
My mother in seeing me do this called out in terror, but I assured her that there was not the slightest danger—and this was true, for I was both sure-footed and sure-handed in those days.
From A Son of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin
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.
