Loose-handed

Pronunciation varies by accent · adjective

Meaning

With open hand (as opposed to a fist)..

Definitions by Sense

1. With open hand (as opposed to a fist).
2. Characterized by broad sweeping movements.
3. Casual; undisciplined or haphazard.
4. Lenient, permissive.
5. Spendthrift, profligate.
6. Aimless
7. Wild or uncontrolled.
8. (sports) Involving wrist action.

Example Sentences

His punches alternated between uppercuts and loose-handed swipes.

He was holding back, a little. The blows were loose-handed.

A diamond ring flashes as he gestures, not with the thrust of a clenched fist but with loose-handed waves.

"When you are here," Martin cups the air vaguely in loose-handed gesture, "do you feel the freedom around you? Can you feel it?"

Varney made an impatient, down-sweeping, loose-handed gesture. "Quit it, Cole!" he said angrily.

The chain has a whipping action-like many of the loose-handed whipping motions of the Northern bare-handed styles.

It was a state of being cumulatively nurtured by a flawless execution of the protocol rehearsed the evening prior (save for her own out-of-order seating), the forgiving tailoring of the bride's gown that gave away no secrets, the fact Mrs. June Helen Grinbar had seen fit to address her mess of a hairdo, and — last but not at all least — the absence of any inappropriate outbursts from Mrs. Geraldine Fessmire who, on the other hand, appeared especially groggy and inattentive during the whole event, making Elba Rae Van Oaks wonder if anyone ever especially audited Mr. Garland's loose-handed administration of her medicines.

The rather loose-handed ways in which Wilson presented his history and the generalizations he dared to make are also visible in later years.

Synonyms for loose-handed

Antonyms for loose-handed

Related Words

Word Forms

• more loose-handed
• most loose-handed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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