put one's finger on

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. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put one's finger on

Also, lay one's finger on.

1. Identify, as in I can't put my finger on the man in that photo. [Late 1800s]

2. See lay a finger on.

See also: finger, on, put

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.