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Region: UK | Usage example: Watch your wallet; that bus can be light-fingered.

Light-fingered

Meaning

Prone to taking things, usually thieves.

Usage

British term for pickpockets.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Light fingers described nimble thieves.

Appears in 19th-century British crime reports.

Related Idioms

Let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret, usually by accident or earlier than intended.

Baker's dozen

Thirteen of something, usually given as a little extra.

All mouth and no trousers

Talking tough without taking action.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.