point the bone at (someone or something)

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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.

point the bone at

betray someone; cause someone's downfall. Australian

The 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.