delicate hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate hands" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's hands that are soft, gentle, or delicate in appearance or touch. For example: 1. She reached out with her delicate hands to caress the flower petals. 2. His delicate hands moved gracefully across the piano keys. 3. The artist used delicate brushstrokes to create a masterpiece with her skilled hands. 4. Even though she was a professional boxer, her delicate hands showed no signs of damage or calluses. 5. The old woman's delicate hands trembled as she tried to pour tea from the delicate china teapot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Delicate hands, she'd said to herself".

The New York Times - Books

He approached his harpsichord with the air of a mortician, slightly flexing his long, delicate hands.

The Economist

Short and slender with delicate hands, she is the opposite of a flashy virtuoso.

The New York Times - Arts

She and her friends sing karaoke, their delicate hands wrapped around the microphone.

The Economist

Power in Hollywood rests in increasingly younger or more delicate hands.

The New Yorker

He gripped her delicate hands in his thick ones and kissed them, and stroked her face.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Such a small and delicate hand.

The New Yorker

The chef, Troy Dupuy, has a delicate hand, especially with seafood.

The New York Times

Ms Aboulela paints the history that unfolds behind the family upheaval with a delicate hand.

The Economist

Start with a basic green salad and learn to dress it with a delicate hand.

The New York Times - Food

Or the silk dress, Holmes's favourite, printed with delicate hand-painted spiders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "delicate hands" to subtly convey their personality, social status, or profession.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate hands" in overly sentimental or clichéd descriptions, as it can come across as artificial. Strive for originality in your descriptions and focus on specific details that make the hands unique to the character or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate hands" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "hands". It adds a layer of detail, emphasizing the physical attributes of the hands being described. As Ludwig AI underlines, this is a correct and standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "delicate hands" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to describe hands that are refined, gentle, or fragile. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential clichés and strive for originality in your descriptions. Consider using alternatives like "gentle hands" or "fine hands" to add nuance. While the phrase itself is appropriate for many contexts, make sure that it aligns with the tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle hands

Emphasizes the tenderness and care associated with the hands.

fine hands

Highlights the refined and elegant appearance of the hands.

slender hands

Focuses on the thin and graceful shape of the hands.

dainty hands

Suggests small and delicate hands, often implying femininity.

graceful hands

Highlights the elegant and fluid movements of the hands.

sensitive hands

Emphasizes the hands' ability to feel and perceive subtle sensations.

soft hands

Focuses on the smooth and gentle texture of the hands.

well-manicured hands

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the appearance of the hands.

small hands

Highlights the size of the hands.

artistic hands

Suggests hands skilled in creative or artistic pursuits.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate hands" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate hands" to describe someone's physical appearance, profession, or actions. For example: "She played the piano with her delicate hands", or "The surgeon's delicate hands were essential for the intricate operation".

What does "delicate hands" imply?

The phrase "delicate hands" often implies refinement, gentleness, and a certain level of care. It can also suggest that the person does not engage in manual labor or physically demanding activities.

What are some synonyms for "delicate hands"?

Some synonyms for "delicate hands" include "gentle hands", "fine hands", "slender hands", and "dainty hands". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate hands" to describe a man?

While "delicate hands" is more commonly used to describe women, it can be used to describe a man if it accurately reflects his physical appearance or the nature of his work. For example, a pianist or surgeon might be described as having "delicate hands" regardless of their gender.