【Dexterous】 , 【adroit】 , 【deft】 , 【handy】 mean having or showing readiness and skill in the use of one's hands, limbs, or body and may also imply physical or mental readiness or skill.
【Dexterous】 implies expertness with consequent facility and agility in manipulation or movement.
【Adroit】 is only occasionally used with reference to physical skill. It more commonly implies resourcefulness or artfulness and ability to cope effectively or cleverly with situations; thus, an 【adroit】 fencer or an 【adroit】 magician is, by implication, not only 【dexterous】 in his manipulations but able to cope quickly and without bungling with every situation that arises.
【Deft】 stresses lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.
【Handy】 usually implies lack of formal or professional training but a degree of skill in doing small jobs (as of carpentry, plumbing, or repairing). It is sometimes applied to a jack-of-all-trades.
