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be all fingers and thumbs

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be all fingers and thumbs

To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

See also: all, and, finger, thumb

be all fingers and thumbs

  (British & Australian) also be all thumbs (American)

to be awkward with your hands and keep making mistakes Can you thread this needle for me? I'm all thumbs today. You know when you get nervous and you're all fingers and thumbs.

See also: all, and, finger, thumb