point the bone at (someone or something)
(redirected from point the bone at him)point the bone at (someone or something)
Primarily heard in Australia.
1. Literally, to point a bone at someone and cast a spell of death or illness on them. An Aboriginal ritual. Do I have an enemy somewhere who's pointed a bone at me? Because I've never been so sick in my life.
2. To predict someone's or something's ruin, downfall, or failure. For years, tech pundits have been pointing the bone at virtual reality technology, announcing its imminent death or decline. People pointed the bone at him when he presented such wild ideas, but they all proved to be wildly successful.
3. To cast blame or aspersions on someone. Instead of simply pointing the bone at anyone who doesn't share your opinion, why not try seeing how you can help others understand your position? It's a bit ironic to hear politicians pointing the bone at these industries, when not five years ago they were in those same companies' pockets.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
point the bone at
betray someone; cause someone's downfall. AustralianThe phrase comes from an Australian Aboriginal ritual, in which a bone is pointed at a victim so as to curse them and cause their sickness or death.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017