# the finger

idiom

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

## Meaning

An obscene gesture, typically consisting of extending the middle finger at somebody.

## Examples

- The angry driver gave me the finger.
- He lost his temper during the argument and gave his neighbor the finger.
- After the player received a harsh penalty, he turned toward the referee and defiantly gave him the finger.

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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.