Ham-fisted

Ham-fisted describes someone who is clumsy, awkward, and lacking in finesse, particularly with their hands. It implies a heavy-handed approach, often resulting in damage, mistakes, or a lack of precision. It's a descriptive term for a person who is physically inept or insensitive, leading to unintentionally rough actions or handling of objects. This can apply to tasks requiring delicate movements, social interactions, or any situation where gentleness and care are needed.

Ham-fisted meaning with examples

• Despite being told to carefully detach the delicate sculpture, Mark's Ham-fisted attempts resulted in it crashing to the floor and shattering into a million pieces. He clearly wasn't the right person for such a fragile task.
• The mechanic, known for his Ham-fisted repairs, seemed to break as much as he fixed. His tools often left more damage than the original problem, which caused frustration for all of the customers.
• During the blind date, his Ham-fisted attempts at making small talk, including accidentally spilling his drink, did nothing to ease the awkward tension. His actions confirmed the date wasn't going to go anywhere.
• Trying to help his elderly mother with her knitting, David's Ham-fisted manipulation of the needles ended up creating a tangled mess. Her attempts to fix the disaster were an unmitigated success.