The idiom "all thumbs" is used to describe someone who is clumsy or awkward with their hands. It means that the person has difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as sewing, cooking, or playing an instrument.
For example, if someone is trying to fix a broken appliance and keeps dropping the screws or fumbling with the tools, you could say that they are "all thumbs." Similarly, if someone is trying to tie a knot or button a shirt and keeps making mistakes, you could use this idiom to describe their clumsiness.
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it may have originated from the idea that someone who has thumbs on all their fingers would be less skilled with their hands than someone with only two thumbs. Regardless of its origin, "all thumbs" is a common idiom in English and is often used to describe someone who is not very handy or coordinated.
• Despite being a professional writer, I'm all thumbs when it comes to using a typewriter.
• I am not good at playing video games, I'm all thumbs when it comes to using a game controller.
• I tried to fix the bike but I'm all thumbs when it comes to tools.
• I'm all thumbs when it comes to using smartphones, I always end up pressing the wrong button.
• I was trying to cook dinner for my friends, but I'm all thumbs when it comes to using kitchen tools.
• I was trying to sew a button on my shirt but I'm all thumbs when it comes to needlework.