# long finger

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/long-finger
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A state of postponement or procrastination.

## Examples

- I always put exercise on the long finger.
- She kept putting her dentist appointment on the long finger until the toothache became unbearable.
- For years he had put his father's letters on the long finger, promising himself he would reply tomorrow, until the old man passed away and the chance was lost forever.

## Origin

From Middle English *longe fyngyr* and *longue finguer*. The term appears as a literal anatomical designation before its later idiomatic development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.