A1 Idiom 비격식체

To be all thumbs.

Clumsy with hands.

To be clumsy or awkward when using your hands.

🌍

문화적 배경

In the UK, this phrase is very common in domestic settings, especially when DIY projects go wrong. Americans often use this in casual work environments to lighten the mood after a minor mistake. Australians use this in a very relaxed, informal way, often accompanied by a laugh. Similar to the US, it is used to show humility and avoid sounding arrogant when struggling.

🎯

Use it to apologize

It is a great way to apologize for a mistake without sounding too serious.

⚠️

Don't use it for mental tasks

Only use it for physical tasks. Saying 'I'm all thumbs at math' sounds very strange.

To be clumsy or awkward when using your hands.

🎯

Use it to apologize

It is a great way to apologize for a mistake without sounding too serious.

⚠️

Don't use it for mental tasks

Only use it for physical tasks. Saying 'I'm all thumbs at math' sounds very strange.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.

I tried to fix the watch, but I'm _____ today.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: all thumbs

The idiom for physical clumsiness is 'all thumbs'.

Which sentence is correct?

Choose the best option.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I am all thumbs.

The correct structure is 'to be' + 'all thumbs'.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Can you help me with this knot? B: Sorry, I'm _____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: all thumbs

The speaker is admitting they are clumsy with their hands.

Match the situation to the phrase.

You drop a glass while washing it.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I'm all thumbs.

Dropping something is a sign of being 'all thumbs'.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase. Fill Blank A1

I tried to fix the watch, but I'm _____ today.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: all thumbs

The idiom for physical clumsiness is 'all thumbs'.

Which sentence is correct? Choose A2

Choose the best option.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I am all thumbs.

The correct structure is 'to be' + 'all thumbs'.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: Can you help me with this knot? B: Sorry, I'm _____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: all thumbs

The speaker is admitting they are clumsy with their hands.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching A2

You drop a glass while washing it.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: I'm all thumbs.

Dropping something is a sign of being 'all thumbs'.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is too informal. Use 'I am having some difficulty' instead.

No, it is a metaphor for being clumsy.

It is better to say 'I am all thumbs'.

Yes, it is strictly for manual tasks.

You can say 'I'm all thumbs' or 'I have butterfingers'.

Yes, it is often used in comedies.

No, that would be 'two left feet'.

No, it is self-deprecating and friendly.

No, it is always 'all thumbs'.

Yes, it is often used to describe children learning new skills.

관련 표현

🔄

Butterfingers

synonym

Someone who drops things.

🔗

Ham-fisted

similar

Clumsy or heavy-handed.

🔗

Fumble

builds on

To handle something clumsily.

🔗

Clumsy

similar

Awkward in movement.

도움이 되었나요?
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!