Phrase guide

sticky fingers

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An inclination to steal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • You'd better lock up your belongings before handing your keys to a valet; some of them have sticky fingers.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Petty thieves.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • There are too many sticky fingers around for me to leave my purse unattended.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

third-person singular simple present indicative of sticky finger

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: lepkie ręce — inclination to steal
  • Bulgarian: джебчия (džebčija) — petty thief
  • French: chapardeur — petty thief
  • German: Langfinger — petty thief
  • Spanish: amigo de lo ajeno — petty thief