around a finger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a finger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is easily manipulated or controlled by another person. Example: "She has a way of getting what she wants; she can wrap anyone around her finger."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The screen looks just like a liquid crystal display, but can bend so flexibly that it can wrap around a finger.

The New York Times - Tech

Jay pulled a long string of gum out of his mouth, wrapped it around a finger, then sucked it back for another chew.

The New Yorker

Loud gum chewing was one; hair twirling, twisting or curling around a finger was the second; and declaring that something is "so fun," which is, apparently, grammatically incorrect, marked the third offense.

Huffington Post

For this purpose, the device includes an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around a finger.

Critical Care

Roll the first section around a finger.

WikiHow

Shape the hair by scrunching it some more and twirling pieces around a finger.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Try tapping on a media link and you'll get a full-screen image that can be moved around with a finger and tossed off the screen in any direction — enabled by Apple's new dynamics engine.

TechCrunch

To move around, use a finger and touch any point on the map, then drag it until you've reached the view that you want.

WikiHow

According to Mossberg, "these links worked well, allowing me to see the locations and pan around with a finger".

TechCrunch

The sensor skin is wrapped around a finger-shaped end effector and fixed at the location of the nail bed.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

As we left, Woody turned around and pointed a finger at my daughter: "I'll call you for lunch," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around a finger" when describing actions involving physical manipulation or wrapping something around a finger, such as winding string or applying a bandage.

Common error

Avoid using "around a finger" literally when you intend to express that someone is easily manipulated. Use the idiomatic expression "wrapped around someone's finger" to convey that meaning clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a finger" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies a verb or noun, indicating location or manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, usually describing an action involving a finger, such as wrapping or winding something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around a finger" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to describe physical actions related to a finger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including Wiki articles, news reports, and scientific publications. While it can literally describe wrapping or placing something around a finger, it differs significantly from the idiomatic expression "wrapped around someone's finger", which denotes influence or control. When writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion between the literal and idiomatic usages. Be aware that the authoritative sources that use this expression the most are "The New York Times", "The New Yorker" and "Huffington Post".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrapped around someone's little finger

This idiom implies complete control or influence over someone.

under one's control

This phrase denotes being managed or directed by someone.

easily manipulated

This phrase describes someone susceptible to influence.

at someone's beck and call

This idiom signifies being constantly available to fulfill someone's requests.

dominated by

This phrase suggests being overpowered or controlled by someone or something.

susceptible to influence

This describes someone open to being affected by others' actions or words.

easily persuaded

This indicates a tendency to be convinced easily.

compliant with

This suggests adherence to someone's wishes or demands.

obedient to

This denotes following instructions or commands dutifully.

subservient to

This implies a position of inferiority and willingness to serve.

FAQs

How can I use "around a finger" in a sentence?

You can use "around a finger" to describe physical actions, like "She wound the string "around a finger" to secure it" or in the context of medical devices such as "an inflatable cuff that is wrapped "around a finger"".

What does it mean to have someone "wrapped around your finger"?

To have someone "wrapped around your finger" is an idiom that means you can easily persuade them to do what you want. It implies a high degree of influence or control over that person.

Which is the right way to say someone can control another person, "around a finger" or "wrapped around a finger"?

The correct idiomatic expression is "wrapped around a finger". Using just "around a finger" in this context would be grammatically correct but would not convey the intended meaning of control or manipulation. The expression "wrapped around a finger" implies complete control or influence over someone.

Are there alternative phrases to "wrapped around someone's finger"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "under their thumb", "in their grasp", or "at their beck and call" to convey a similar meaning.