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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Fingers and a thumb

Does the word, fingers, include a thumb?

"His fingers are dirty." Does this phrase have the possibility his thumb is not dirty, in spite of a little extreme example?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

" Does this phrase have the possibility his thumb is not dirty Generally speaking, it does not. But on the other hand (pun intended), "His fingers are dirty" doesn't necessarily mean that ALL his fingers are dirty. Let's say that it would be very unusual if the speaker meant to exclude the thumbs.

— Avangi

  • " Does this phrase have the possibility his thumb is not dirty Generally speaking, it does not.
  • But on the other hand (pun intended), "His fingers are dirty" doesn't necessarily mean that ALL his fingers are dirty.
  • Let's say that it would be very unusual if the speaker meant to exclude the thumbs.
  • " Most situations which would "soil" the fingers but not the palms would soil the thumbs as well.
  • That's just the way the "opposing thumb" functions.
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10 Answers
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AnonymousHis fingers are dirty." Does this phrase have the possibility his thumb is not dirty
Generally speaking, it does not.
But on the other hand (pun intended), "His fingers are dirty" doesn't necessarily mean that ALL his fingers are dirty.

Let's say that it would be very unusual if the speaker meant to exclude the thumbs.

Not
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Thank you so much for your detailed explanation! Then, basically when saying "fingers", "thumbs" are included, aren't they?
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AnonymousThen, basically when saying "fingers", "thumbs" are included, aren't they?
Yes. Emotion: smile
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Thank you, Avangi. I have learned. ;D
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There's no firm rule about it. It's just a matter of common usage.

One person will say, "You have ten fingers and ten toes."

Another person will say, "No, you have four fingers and a thumb on each hand."

But usually the second person is just trying to make a joke.
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Thank you for the additional answer! That was easy to understand.

I just wonder how the first person replies. xD Anyway many thanks.
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There are many expressions with "thumb"

He is all thumbs. (He is not coordinated or adept)

Thumbs up / down. (Approval / disapproval)

She has a green thumb. (Her garden is very lush and green.)

With his red jacket, he stuck out like a sore thumb. (He was noticable in a crowd)

He sat there twiddling his thumbs. (He was bored waiting for something.
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Can I use those expressions as follows?

1. I'm all thumbs since just beginning doing it.

2. In the end the suggestion were provided thumbs down after a long debate.

3. You stick out like a sore thumb because of the loud voice.

4. She twiddled her thumbs while waiting her parents at home.

5. My younger brother is under his
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1. I'm all thumbs since just I'm just learning to do it.

2. In the end the suggestion was voted thumbs down after a long debate.

3. You stick out like a sore thumb because of your loud voice.

4. She twiddled her thumbs while waiting for her parents at home.

5. My younger brother is under his girlfriend's thumb.
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Thank you for your correction, AlpheccaStars. I appreciate your kindness.
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