two left hands
Lacking manual dexterity
Someone with two left hands is clumsy or incompetent at manual tasks, especially crafts or handiwork.
The image suggests having no "right" hand—the one typically more coordinated.
I tried to assemble the shelf myself, but I've got two left hands.
The phrase is more common in European languages; English speakers often say all thumbs instead.
- mishandleManage incompetently or roughly
- maladroitLacking physical deftness
- clumsyLacking physical coordination
- all thumbsAwkward with one's hands
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
awkward · gauche · bungling · inept · botch · graceless · klutzy · bumbling · butterfingers · ham-fisted · uncoordinated · mishap · drop the ball · ungainly · tactless · embarrassed · goofy · comedy