# all fingers and thumbs

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/all-fingers-and-thumbs
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Of a person, clumsy or awkward.

## Examples

- I am all fingers and thumbs when I try to sew.
- I felt all fingers and thumbs while trying to wrap the delicate gift in front of my boss.
- Despite his years of experience as a surgeon, he felt all fingers and thumbs as he attempted to tie the tiny, intricate knot.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.