Finger Idioms | Idioms Derived From The Word Finger
Idioms are common in all kinds of English, formal and informal, spoken and written. Here is a list of idioms derived from the word ‘finger’.
Burn one’s fingers or get one’s fingers burnt (suffer, often financially, as a result of foolish behaviour)
- He invested all his money in the stock market and got his fingers badly burnt.
Lay a finger on somebody (touch someone with the intention of causing harm)
- I will not let you lay a finger on that boy again.
Slip through someone’s fingers (miss something especially an opportunity)
- This is your last chance of passing the exam. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.
Work one’s fingers to the bone (work very hard)
- You will have to work your fingers to the bone if you want to pass this time.
Have something at one’s finger tips (know all the details of a subject thoroughly)
- He has all the details of the project at his fingertips.
Lift one’s finger (make even the slightest effort)
- He didn’t even lift a finger to stop the fight.
Keep one’s fingers crossed (to hope for or against something)
