Describing a person who is not accustomed to manual labor, particularly someone who does not have calluses or rough skin on their hands. It implies a lack of experience with physical work and often suggests a privileged background or a life of ease. The term can sometimes be used to imply weakness or ineffectiveness in practical situations, as though lacking the resilience that comes from physical toil. It suggests delicacy and gentleness rather than strength or grit, though not always in a negative way. It can also describe a person's touch, movement, and the overall manner of doing something.
Soft-handed meaning with examples
- Her soft-handed approach to managing the team, emphasizing collaboration over strict directives, initially baffled the more seasoned employees, but eventually, they were impressed by her understanding. Her delicate hands reflected her life spent more on strategy than in the trenches. They found that her leadership style, though unexpected, was ultimately effective in fostering innovation and teamwork.
- The pampered aristocrat, with his soft-handed demeanor, attempted to navigate the rough terrain, he quickly realized that his lack of experience made a daunting trek more challenging. His pale and tender hands, unused to the sun and the strain of climbing, began to ache with every step, contrasting sharply with the weathered faces of the guides.
- Accustomed to a life of privilege, the young heir's soft-handed attempts at farm work amused the seasoned hands. He struggled to grip the tools, and his lack of physical conditioning became immediately apparent. Despite their initial amusement, the farmworkers admired his willingness to learn and eventually helped him hone his skills.
- The interior decorator's soft-handed touch was evident in her designs. They were characterized by an elegant simplicity and an understated luxury. The furniture she selected, the materials she favored, all spoke of a refined sensibility that appealed to her discerning clientele. The homes were serene and a haven for soft-handed, high society clients.
- The novel's protagonist, with his soft-handed upbringing, was thrust into a world of adversity. He discovered a surprising resilience that helped him overcome challenges. His refined mannerisms and smooth palms did not diminish his grit in the face of his new struggles. He was transformed by his struggles.