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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

wag a finger en · VERB

Meanings

  1. (followed by at, idiomatic, often) To express one's annoyance with, or disapproval of, someone's actions.
    • In reality Infantino has presided over a World Cup staged in a repressive state that has feasted on those who built its palaces, and has barely wagged a finger at Iran’s regime in the lead up to their appearance here. 2022 November 21, Barney Ronay, “Iran’s brave and powerful gesture is a small wonder from a World Cup of woe”, in The Guardian:
    • “Edge of the Edge” pairs a playful sample of the doo-wop group Randy & the Rainbows’ 1963 hit “Denise” with Panda’s serenely melodic vocals, which cut through the carefree, pop-psychedelic vibe with some light social critique: “Can’t say it’s what you bargained for,” he sings, wagging a finger at the frenzied escalation of technology, “It’s forever at the push of a button.” 2022 August 5, Jon Caramanica, Lindsay Zoladz, “Carly Rae Jepsen’s Brand-New Boy Problems, and 7 More New Songs”, in The New York Times:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
wag one's finger alternative lexicographic
wagged a finger Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
wagged a finger Tense=Past lexicographic
wagging a finger Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
wags a finger Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Relateds

finger-wag