Heavy-handed
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Heavy-handed is an adjective meaning (derogatory) Clumsy; awkward.
Meaning
(derogatory) Clumsy; awkward.
More Meanings
- Excessive; overdone.
- (derogatory) Lacking subtlety or nuance.
- (derogatory) Overbearing, coercive; unnecessarily forceful; harsh, oppressive.
Example Sentences
Do not be too heavy-handed with the salt.
Some people say, 'I can't make pastry, I'm too heavy-handed.'
However, recently I got a little heavy-handed with the red pepper flakes.
I cite how ineffective heavy-handed training methods are due to the physiological state of high arousal and avoidance behaviors they cause in dogs.
Word Forms
- heavyhanded
Synonyms for heavy-handed
Depending on context, synonyms include ham-handed, ham-fisted, maladroit, OTT, over the top, unsubtle.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include butterfingered, ham-fisted, ham-handed, maladroit, bumbling, bungling.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.