Have sticky fingers Meaning in English
expression
HAV STIK-ee FING-erz
hav-STIK-ee FING-uhz
Definition
To be likely to steal things, especially small items, often used as a humorous or light way to say someone steals.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, often playful expression for calling someone a thief, usually for minor thefts. Common in phrases like 'watch out for him, he has sticky fingers.' Don't use in formal or legal situations.
Spanish: tener las manos largas - ser un ladrónPortuguese (BR): ter mão leve - ser ladrãoPortuguese (PT): ter mão leve - ser ladrãoChinese (Simplified): 手脚不干净 - 爱偷窃Chinese (Traditional): 手腳不乾淨 - 愛偷竊Hindi: चोरी की आदत होनाArabic: يمتلك أصابع لزجة (يميل للسرقة)Bengali: চোর স্বভাবের - সুযোগ পেলেই চুরি করা (মজা করে বলা হয়)Russian: липкие пальцы - склонность к воровству (шутливо)Japanese: 手癖が悪いVietnamese: tay nhanh - hay ăn cắp vặtKorean: 손버릇이 나쁘다Turkish: eli yapışkan olmak - hırsızlığa meyilli olmak (şakayla)Urdu: ہاتھ صاف ہونا (مزاحیہ انداز میں چوری کی عادت ہونا)Indonesian: tangan jahil - suka mencuri (secara bercanda)
Example Sentences
My brother has sticky fingers; he always takes my snacks.
basic
Don't invite Tom; I've heard he has sticky fingers.
basic
If you have sticky fingers, you shouldn't work in a store.
basic
Someone in the office has sticky fingers—my pen keeps disappearing!
natural
Watch out for your wallet around Greg—he has sticky fingers.
natural
He got fired because he had sticky fingers at the cash register.
natural