light-handed

[ lahyt-han-did ]

/ ˈlaɪtˈhæn dɪd /

short-handed.

having the hands lightly or only slightly encumbered, as with parcels or bundles.

having a light touch; handling things delicately and deftly.

Origin of light-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

light-hand·ed·ly, adverb light-hand·ed·ness, noun

Claudia Roden's approach to Middle Eastern culinary culture is at once light-handed and scholarly.

Fresh Picks |Jody Adams |April 27, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
He was light-handed, quick, deferential, and soothing—a prince among Orderlies.

"Contemptible" |"Casualty"
The medical reports promised well, and Hay's letters were as humorous and light-handed as ever.

The Education of Henry Adams |Henry Adams
The anchor was weighed, and the transport ran out under her fore-topsail, as they were light-handed, and had to secure the anchor.

Mr. Midshipman Easy |Captain Frederick Marryat

But the light-handed Partha cut them off before they could reach him.

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 4 |Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Elizabeth Ann's head whirled with this second light-handed juggling with the sacred distinction between the grades.

Understood Betsy |Dorothy Canfield