sticky

have sticky fingers

Fig. to have a tendency to steal. The clerk—who had sticky fingers—got fired. The little boy had sticky fingers and was always taking his father's small change.

See also: finger, have

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be (batting) on a sticky wicket  (British & Australian)

to be in a difficult situation because you have not behaved in the correct way You know you're batting on a sticky wicket there, not paying tax.

come to a sticky end  (British & Australian humorous) also meet a sticky end (British & Australian humorous)

to die in an unpleasant way Of course the villain comes to a sticky end in the last act of the play.

See also: come, end

have sticky fingers

someone who has sticky fingers often steals things Another wallet has been stolen, so it looks as though someone in the office has sticky fingers.

See also: finger, have