# wag a finger

idiom

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

## Meaning

To express one's annoyance with, or disapproval of, someone's actions.

## Examples

- My teacher likes to wag a finger when we talk too much.
- When the toddler reached for the hot stove, his mother had to wag a finger to warn him.
- The stern manager did not hesitate to wag a finger at the team, making it clear that their recent lack of effort was unacceptable.

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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.