To be "close-handed" means to be ungenerous, stingy, or miserly. It describes someone who is unwilling to spend money, even when appropriate or necessary.
Understanding "Close-Handed"
The term "close-handed" paints a picture of someone guarding their money tightly, as if physically clutching it in their hand and refusing to let it go. It's often used negatively, implying that the person's frugality borders on being unpleasant or unfair.
Characteristics of a Close-Handed Person:
- Reluctance to Spend: They avoid spending money whenever possible.
- Miserliness: They are extremely careful with their money, even to the point of being cheap.
- Unwillingness to Share: They are hesitant to share their resources with others, even in situations where it would be expected or generous to do so.
- Penny-Pinching: They focus on saving even small amounts of money.
Synonyms for Close-Handed:
As the reference suggests, some synonyms for "close-handed" include:
- Cheap
- Hard-fisted
- Mean
- Miserly
- Parsimonious
- Penny-pinching
- Penurious
- Pinching
- Tight
- Tightfisted
Examples of Close-Handed Behavior:
- Refusing to tip adequately at a restaurant.
- Always seeking the cheapest option, even if it means sacrificing quality or convenience.
- Hesitating to contribute to group gifts or outings.
- Being unwilling to help others in need financially.
In essence, someone who is close-handed prioritizes saving money over generosity, fairness, and sometimes even their own comfort or well-being.
