# butcher's thumb

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/butchers-thumb
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A dishonest practice in which a butcher uses their thumb to add extra weight to a scale when weighing meat.

## Examples

- The dishonest shopkeeper used a butcher's thumb to charge more for the meat.
- Customers grew suspicious when they noticed the shopkeeper using a butcher's thumb to manipulate the scale during every transaction.
- The inspector immediately revoked the license of the merchant after witnessing him employ a butcher's thumb to deceive unsuspecting patrons regarding the weight of their purchases.

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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.