Sticky Fingers

to have sticky fingers

Meaning | Synonyms

• keep objects that don't belong to you
• the inclination or tendency to steal
• to be likely to steal something
• steal small amounts of cash or valuables

Example Sentences

1. Money had started disappearing from the treasury coffers so, they realised that someone had sticky fingers.
2. One of the new staff had sticky fingers because the books never seemed to balance anymore.
3. That waiter has got sticky fingers. I just saw him put our cash in his trouser pocket.
4. A lot of things have gone missing lately from the store cupboard. Do you think someone has sticky fingers?
5. I hope he doesn't leave any cash lying around when the family visit. His uncle is a little sticky-fingered.

Origin

This phrase is from Britain in the mid-1800s and is a metaphor suggesting that if someone has a tendency to steal then valuable items and cash naturally 'adhere' to their hands. The phrase is used more for a petty thief rather than a hardened criminal though for example, a shop worker stealing cash from the till, rather than an armed robber stealing from a bank.