have sticky fingers

/hav stˈɪki fˈɪŋɡəz/

/hæv stˈɪki fˈɪŋɡɚz/

[phrase]

to have sticky fingers

[PHRASE]

to have a tendency to steal from others whenever the opportunity presents itself

to [have] sticky fingers definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have sticky fingers" and when to use it?

The idiom "have sticky fingers" dates back to at least the early 1900s. It refers to the tendency of people's fingers to become sticky or coated after handling something adhesive or sticky - much like the fingers of a thief might become after stealing or handling stolen goods. It is used to suggest that someone is dishonest, prone to theft, or inclined to take things that do not belong to them.

Examples

1. If he learns the value of honesty, he won't have sticky fingers in the future.

2. Her habit of taking things that don't belong to her shows that she has sticky fingers.

3. The security team suspects that someone in the office has sticky fingers, as items keep going missing.

4. And vervet monkeys are used to having sticky fingers.

Nearby words

have something going with

have seen better days

have rocks in head

have rats in the attic