put finger on
Related to put finger on: at fingertips
put (one's) finger on (something)
1. To recognize or recall fully, clearly, or correctly. (Usually used in the negative.) I can't put my finger on what this is reminding me of. There's something off about her story, but I can't put my finger on it.
2. To recognize, identify, or determine the fundamental aspects of something. Well, I think you put your finger on it when you brought up the issue of tax increases for lower earners.
See also: finger, on, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put one's finger on something
1. Lit. to touch something with one's finger. I put my finger on the button and pressed. Put your finger on this spot and push hard.
2. Fig. to identify and state the essence of something. That is correct! You have certainly put your finger on the problem. When she mentioned money, she really put her finger on the problem.
See also: finger, on, put
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
put (one's) finger on
To identify: I can't put my finger on the person in that photograph.
See also: finger, on, put
put (one's) finger on
To remember; recall: I know his name; I just can't put my finger on it.
See also: finger, on, put
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- put (one's) finger on (something)
- put one's finger on
- put your finger on
- put your finger on something
- not put (one's) finger on (something)
- not put your finger on something
- point at
- go the extra mile
- give somebody the finger
- give someone/something the finger