Sekirov Dictionary

light-handed

adjective 9
adverb 2
forms 4

adjective9

•
Gentle; benign and with minimal intervention.
- Does it reflect your position toward the other agencies that, in the words of your Deputy, this program should be as lighthanded as possible? — 1979
•
Sparing; applying only slight pressure or minimal amounts.
- The shadow was now also applied to the lower lash line, but still very light-handed. — 2010
•
Flippant; lacking seriousness.
- Philip Penna, of Indiana, a veteran of many labor controversies, roundly scored the United Mine Workers for their light-handed treatment of their contracts. — 1921
•
Delicate and skilled; nimble and dextrous
- The early works of this painter are a complete study for lighthanded and beautiful execution; they look imitatively perfect, yet many instances are known of his extreme rapidity of execution. — 1893
•
Fresh and light-tasting, not rich, heavy, or highly seasoned.
- Fruit jellies offer an excellent, light-handed way of making vibrantly fresh desserts to round off a rich meal. — 2012
•
Light-hearted; fun and witty or easygoing.
- We make several light-handed or joking references to my change. — 1981
•
Not having a full complement of workers.
- “We will hold on to the last, while he must begin to take in soon, or the squall will come upon him too fast for a light-handed vessel.” — 1836
•
Thieving, larcenous.
- Thae Hielandmen are o' the westland clans, and just as light-handed as their neighbours, an a' tales be true — 1817
•
(no longer used) Having or requiring little strength.
- December. Month for sheep-shearing. Rather light-handed for this work. — 1845

adverb2

•
Carrying very little.
- 'Are ye come light-handed, ye son of a toom whistle?' said Sir Robert. 'Zounds! if you are' — 1824
•
In a light-handed manner.
- He must go lighthanded to whatever it was that impended. — 1919

forms

lighter-handed · more light-handed · lightest-handed · most light-handed

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