put the finger on

put the finger on (one)

To identify and accuse one of doing something; to inform on one to an authority figure. Don't you dare put the finger on me! I had nothing to do with the deal going sour. I fear my life is in danger now that I've put the finger on the mob boss.

See also: finger, on, put

put the finger on someone

 and lay the finger on someone

Sl. to accuse someone; to identify someone as the one who did something. Tom put the finger on John, and John is really mad. He'd better not lay the finger on me. I didn't do it.

See also: finger, on, put

put the finger on

Inform on, as in The witness put the finger on the defendant. [Slang; c. 1920] Also see put one's finger on.

See also: finger, on, put

put the finger on

inform against someone to the authorities. informal

See also: finger, on, put

put the finger on

Slang

To inform on: The witness put the finger on the killer.

See also: finger, on, put