Be all (fingers and) thumbs In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "be all (fingers and) thumbs", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Julia Huong calendar 2021-12-09 04:12

Meaning of Be all (fingers and) thumbs

Synonyms:

as awkward as a cow on a crutch , be all thumbs , ham-fisted

Be all (fingers and) thumbs British Australia phrase informal

To use one's hands clumsily or awkwardly.

I don't think that she could become a good doctor. She's all fingers and thumbs.

Don't ask Jack to repair your car. He's all fingers and thumbs.

You are all thumbs. That's the second glass you've broken today!

Other phrases about:

have two left feet
To make awkward and clumsy movements while dancing, running or playing sport

Grammar and Usage of Be all (fingers and) thumbs

Verb Forms

  • to be all (fingers and) thumbs
  • am/is/are all (fingers and) thumbs
  • was/were all (fingers and) thumbs

The verb "be" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Be all (fingers and) thumbs

This idea was articulated in the mid-16th century as each finger is a thumb. The term "all thumbs" originated in the nineteenth century to denote a total lack of dexterity.

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to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

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Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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