Definition of "light-handed" in English

adjective

1. Gentle; benign and with minimal intervention.

2. Sparing; applying only slight pressure or minimal amounts.

3. Delicate and skilled; nimble and dextrous

4. Light-hearted; fun and witty or easygoing.

   • 1981-1982, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure We make several light-handed or joking references to my change.

5. Flippant; lacking seriousness.

6. (nautical or military) Not having a full complement of workers.

7. Thieving, larcenous.

8. (food) Fresh and light-tasting, not rich, heavy, or highly seasoned.

9. (obsolete) Having or requiring little strength.

adverb

1. Carrying very little.

2. In a light-handed manner.