English idiom

put your finger on

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to identify exactly what is wrong or what something is

Why this phrase?

You don't really touch it; it means to pinpoint something.

Example

“Something feels off, but I can't put my finger on it.”

Dictionary details

Tags

understanding

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

get the picture

to understand a situation, especially after an explanation

not rocket science

not difficult to understand or do

on the same page

In agreement or sharing the same understanding.

on the same wavelength

thinking and understanding in the same way; in agreement

ring a bell

to sound familiar or remind you of something

see eye to eye

To agree completely with someone.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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