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Difference between Lay a finger on something and Lay one’s finger on something

admin Confusing Phrases

lay a finger on something—harm or interfere with smth. however slightly:

  • Nobody is going, within the foreseeable future, to lay a finger on the trade unions.

lay one’s finger on something—(also: put one’s finger on something)

1. find or locate smth.:

  • So far I haven’t been able to lay my finger on the book you requested.

2. point out precisely where smth. is wrong, etc.:

  • I know that, if I knew enough about this case, I could lay my finger on the cause.