point the finger
Single someone out
To point the finger is to assign blame or accusation, usually at a specific person: Everyone pointed the finger at the new guy.
The phrase evokes the physical gesture of singling someone out.
It often implies the accusation may be unfair or deflecting responsibility: Before you point the finger at others, look at yourself.
- accuseClaim someone did wrong
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- throw under the busBetray for self-preservation
- allegeAssert without substantiation
- name namesIdentify specific wrongdoers
lay blame · incriminate · accountability · hold accountable · scapegoating · shift the blame · implicate · guilt · shame · gesture · nonverbal cues · responsibility · insinuation · anger · signal · defensiveness · indict · censure
- accountabilityaccountability, responsibility, accountable, take responsibility, answerability
- hypocrisyhypocrisy, hypocrite, sanctimony, two-faced, self-righteousness
point the fingerdefend
Protect from harm
exonerate · stick up for · absolve · cover for · vindicate
point the fingertake the blame
own up · take responsibility · fall on one's sword · mea culpa · take the fall
point the fingerforgive
Cease to blame
pardon · let it go · turn the other cheek · show mercy · overlook
point, finger, points, pointed, pointing, pointer, pointers, pointy, pointless