sticky fingers

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See synonyms for: sticky-fingered on Thesaurus.com

plural noun Informal.

a propensity to steal.

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TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Origin of sticky fingers

First recorded in1930–35

OTHER WORDS FROM sticky fingers

stick·y-fin·gered

[stik-ee-fing-gerd], /ˈstɪk iˈfɪŋ gərd/, adjective

Words nearby sticky fingers

sticky, stickybeak, sticky blood, sticky end, sticky-fingered, sticky fingers, Sticky Note, sticky rice, sticky wicket, sticky willie, stiction

How to use sticky fingers in a sentence

We haven't had any real fan reaction yet, but our collective fingers are crossed.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But his fingers moved through her silky strands of hair, and then down her neck.
Powerful Congressman Writes About ‘Fleshy Breasts’|Asawin Suebsaeng|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“The dress is just fishnet and crystals and a couple fingers crossed,” Selman told Style.com of the dress.
What, and Who, You'll Be Wearing in 2015|Justin Jones|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
With senility's fingers at his throat, it was clear that no more movies were going to be made.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Paddle8 already has a “sticky collector base who are addicted to the site,” he says.
William, Kate, and Jay Z’s Favorite Art Star: Alexander Gilkes' World of Rock Stars and Royalty|Tim Teeman|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Again the sallow fingers began to play with the book-covers, passing from one to another, but always slowly and gently.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens
The fingers of all the clocks in the house were revolving with the most extraordinary rapidity--she was helpless.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
Lamb with shaking fingers places the required amount in front of him.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Now and then he touched one with his long and sallow fingers, lifted its cover, then let it drop mechanically.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens
She was putting her papers tidy again with calm fingers, while his own were almost cramped with the energy of suppressed desire.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood

Other Idioms and Phrases with sticky fingers

sticky fingers

A propensity to steal, as in You'd better not leave any cash around; she's known for her sticky fingers. This metaphor makes it seem as if valuables adhere naturally to a thief's fingers. [Colloquial; late 1800s]