The idiom 'to be all thumbs' describes someone who is clumsy or lacks skill. A variation of this phrase is 'all fingers and thumbs'.
The idiom 'to be all thumbs' means to be clumsy or unskilled. It is sometimes also said as 'all fingers and thumbs'.
| Idiom | to be all thumbs |
|---|---|
| Definition | to be clumsy and unskilled |
| Examples | - It's no good asking him to help you fix the car - he's all thumbs. - Can you help me wire this plug? I'm all thumbs. - Unfortunately I'm all thumbs and couldn't begin to construct one myself. - Now I know why I'm all thumbs trying to fix those lights in my garage -- but that's another story completely! |
| Note | Some people say "all fingers and thumbs. |
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