A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

lift up something • uplift something
lift up something—
1
. physically raise or lift smth.: The bath-
room door was hanging by one hinge, and you had to lift it
up at the edge in order to even close it. 2. elevate smth. in
rank, honor, etc.: These studies discuss the attempt of the
Chinese in Malaya to establish various organizations for the
Chinese to lift up their status. 3. (in the phrase “lift up one’s
eyes”) look upwards: He didn’t lift up his eyes but looked to
the ground. He was utterly ashamed of himself. 4. (in the
phrase “lift up one’s voice”) make one’s voice louder (to be heard
more clearly or in anger): “I didn’t know,” she cried out, lifting
up her voice. “How could I help!” 5. (in the phrase “lift up
one’s voice”) express one’s strong opinion about smth.: But if
he saw this corruption, why did he not there and then lift up
his voice against it.
uplift something —
1
. = lift up something 
1
: As tectonic forces
uplifted the island, this limestone was exposed to rainwater
and began to dissolve. 2. = lift up something 2: She has not
only uplifted the status of Chinese Opera, but has firmly
placed Singapore on the cultural map of the world. 3. collect
or pick up smth.: Somebody has left a message for Felson.
The objective is to uplift the message without being detected.
light-fingered • light-handed
light-fingered —having nimble fingers, especially for stealing:
Jimmy’s name has become a synonym for a light-fingered bur-
glar who can crack the combination of a bank vault.
light-handed —(of an approach, style, etc.) gentle and
restrained: The story is presented in a light-handed way
through the eyes of an eleven year-old girl and is fast-paced
and entertaining.
See also: light in hand / light of hand.