light-handed

American  

[lahyt-han-did] / ˈlaɪtˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

1. short-handed.

2. having the hands lightly or only slightly encumbered, as with parcels or bundles.

3. having a light touch; handling things delicately and deftly.

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Other Word Forms

• light-handedly adverb
• light-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of light-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Their light-handed approach is still legible in the artifacts and settlement patterns of post-Collapse farming communities and preserved in the flexible tribute schedules for Maya farmers documented by 16th century Spanish monks.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Monday defended OPEC+ cuts to oil market supply, saying international energy markets need light-handed regulation to limit volatility.

From Reuters • Sep. 18, 2023

I would encourage you to experiment with the spices here — I’ve kept mine pretty light-handed, though a little bit of zip from the cayenne does come through.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2022

Sorrell said she was moved to speak out in part because Choudhry’s attorneys “touted around that he got light-handed treatment” after the settlement was disclosed Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2017

Surely no one could be more deft, light-handed, practical.

From Under the Skylights by Fuller, Henry Blake