also: てぐせがわるい
expression, i-adjective
having a habit of stealing; light-fingered
Idiomatic expression describing someone who has a habitual tendency to steal or pilfer, often in a casual or petty manner. The phrase literally means 'bad hand habit'.
彼は手癖が悪いから、貴重品はしまっておいたほうがいい。
He has a habit of stealing, so you'd better put your valuables away.
あの店員は手癖が悪いという噂だ。
There's a rumor that that shop assistant is light-fingered.