be all thumbs — to be very clumsy with one's hands; to be awkward at handling or fixing things
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be very clumsy with one's hands; to be awkward at handling or fixing things
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ɔːl θʌmz/
Example Sentences
- I'm all thumbs in the kitchen - I once burned water while making tea!
- He's all thumbs when it comes to wrapping presents - they look like abstract art.
- Don't worry if you're all thumbs at first - practice makes perfect.
be all thumbs
NOUN[/bi ɔːl θʌmz/]
to be very clumsy with one's hands; to be awkward at handling or fixing things
He is all thumbs whenever he tries to wrap a birthday gift.
Be all thumbs with drums, just scatter the crumbs!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originated from an imaginative comparison between thumbs and other fingers. The phrase emerged from the observation that thumbs are thicker and blunter than other digits, leading to the metaphorical meaning that if all one's fingers were like thumbs, one would be incapable of performing delicate or precise tasks.
Breakdown
be (become, exist) + all (entirely, completely) + thumbs (plural of thumb, the thicker and blunter digit). The phrase literally means 'to be entirely composed of thumbs,' creating a humorous image of clumsiness.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I'm all thumbs in the kitchen - I once burned water while making tea!”
“He's all thumbs when it comes to wrapping presents - they look like abstract art.”
“Don't worry if you're all thumbs at first - practice makes perfect.”
“She's all thumbs with technology but surprisingly skilled at needlework.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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