English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Sticky fingers
Meaning
The idiom "sticky fingers" refers to someone who is greedy or loves to steal things, typically small items that are easily accessible. It suggests a person who has a tendency to get stuck with the idea of taking something without permission or payment.
Usage
- She was caught stealing from the store because she had sticky fingers.
- He always leaves his sticky fingers on the counter, leaving smudges everywhere.
- The sticky-fingered child took a candy from the jar without asking.
- The company had to fire their employee for having sticky fingers.
- We need to keep an eye on our kids when they're in public areas because of their sticky fingers. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe someone who is literally stealing things, or it can be used as a metaphor for someone who is greedy or opportunistic.
Roots and History
The origin of the phrase "sticky fingers" is not entirely clear, but it has been in use since at least the mid-19th century. One possible explanation is that it comes from the idea of sticking one's fingers together to catch things more easily. Another theory is that it refers to a person who has a sticky residue on their fingers due to poor hygiene or working with sticky substances.
Synonyms in English
- Pilfering fingers
- Grabby hands
- Light-fingered
- Sneaky fingers
- Thieving fingers
Synonyms in other languages
- 爪子 (Zhuǒzǐ) - Chinese idiom for someone who is greedy and loves to steal small things.
- 탐욕적인 손가지 (Yonkakkeukin sonja) - Korean idiom for someone who is opportunistic and likes to take advantage of situations.
- 몸에서 도움이 되는 손가지 (Masessori dodeun sonja) - Japanese idiom for someone who is always lending a hand or helping others.
- 찡킹한 손 (Koddaen son) - Spanish idiom for someone who is sly or cunning with their hands.
- 부려진 손가지 (Puyrjan sonja) - French idiom for someone who is always being taken care of or pampered.