To Have Sticky Fingers – चोर होना

The idiom “to have sticky fingers” is used to describe someone who steals or is prone to theft. When someone is said to have sticky fingers, it means they are habitually stealing or taking things that don’t belong to them. It refers to a lack of control or impulse to take things unlawfully.

✔ Meaning:
The phrase refers to someone whose fingers seem to stick to objects, implying they can’t resist the temptation to steal. The idiom is not literally about sticky fingers, but instead describes the behavior of a person with a habit of stealing.

• “Sticky fingers” refers to the idea that someone’s hands are metaphorically sticky because they keep taking things without permission.
• It’s a playful, yet serious way of saying that someone has a tendency to steal or has been caught stealing.

✔ Used When:

• Describing someone caught in the act of stealing or suspected of stealing.
• When talking about someone who frequently engages in theft or dishonesty.
• When referring to petty thieves or those who steal small items.

✔ Implied Message:
This idiom often highlights the dishonesty or lack of morals of an individual. It is a warning to others about someone’s untrustworthiness, especially in terms of handling personal belongings.

Hindi Equivalent:
“चोर होना” (अर्थ: किसी का चोरी करने की आदत होना)

🧠 Detailed Explanation
The idiom “to have sticky fingers” originates from the idea that a thief’s hands are figuratively sticky, making it difficult for them to resist taking things. When you have sticky fingers, it implies a habitual thief or someone who has the urge to take things unlawfully, especially small or personal items.

The phrase doesn’t just refer to someone who steals once, but rather someone who repeatedly engages in theft, even when it’s not necessary. It often carries a negative connotation, indicating dishonesty or a lack of ethics.

Example Sentences:
English: “I caught him again trying to steal my lunch. He really has sticky fingers.”
Hindi: “मैंने उसे फिर से मेरा लंच चोरी करने की कोशिश करते हुए पकड़ा। उसे तो सच में चोरी की आदत है।”

English: “Don’t leave your wallet near him, he has sticky fingers.”
Hindi: “उसके पास अपना बटुआ मत रखना, उसे तो चोरी करने की आदत है।”

Key Takeaways:

• “To have sticky fingers” is a metaphorical way of saying someone habitually steals or has a tendency to steal.
• The idiom is often used in a negative context, warning people about someone’s dishonesty or lack of trustworthiness.
• It also highlights that the person is not only stealing once but has developed a pattern of dishonesty.

✔ Origin of the Idiom:
The idiom “to have sticky fingers” is believed to have originated from the 19th century, with the idea that a thief’s fingers would figuratively “stick” to things they steal. The sticky nature of their hands suggests that once they touch something, they cannot resist taking it. The phrase is still commonly used to describe a thief, whether petty or habitual.

✔ Real-World Examples:

In Personal Life:
English: “My little brother has sticky fingers, always taking my things when I’m not looking.”
Hindi: “मेरा छोटा भाई चोरी करने की आदत है, जब मैं नहीं देखता, वह हमेशा मेरी चीजें ले जाता है।”

In Professional Contexts:
English: “Be careful with the new guy, he seems to have sticky fingers.”
Hindi: “नए लड़के के साथ सावधान रहो, उसे लगता है कि चोरी करने की आदत है।”

When to Use the Idiom:

• When someone is suspected of stealing, either in personal or professional settings.
• To describe habitual or petty theft, such as when someone regularly takes small items without permission.
• To warn others about the untrustworthiness of someone.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever been in a situation where you suspected someone of having sticky fingers? How did you handle it?
• Do you think people who habitually steal can change, or is it a difficult habit to break?
• How does the idiom “to have sticky fingers” reflect someone’s character?

🔁 Similar Expressions

English Idiom	Hindi Meaning
To steal a march	कोई फायदा उठाना
Keep your hands to yourself	अपने हाथों को नियंत्रित रखना
A thief never thinks he is a thief	चोर कभी खुद को चोर नहीं मानता