tip of the hand; use of one's hands
Literal meaning: the fingertips or the skill of using one's hands. Often used in contexts of manual dexterity or technique.
職人の小手先の動きはとても繊細だ。
The craftsman's fingertip movements are very delicate.
cheap trick; superficial cleverness; makeshift; shortsighted
Figurative use: describes actions or measures that are shallow, short-sighted, or rely on mere technique without substance. Often negative, implying lack of genuine thought or long-term planning. Can be used as a noun or with の to modify another noun.
小手先のテクニックだけでは、本当の問題は解決できない。
You can't solve the real problem with just superficial techniques.
彼の小手先の対応に、みんな失望した。
Everyone was disappointed by his makeshift response.
He's dexterous with his hands and good at fine, detailed work.
A superficial response won't actually solve the problem.
He tried to get through it with mere tricks, but it didn't work.