have at one's fingertips

Are you using the idiom have at one's fingertips but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the have at one's fingertips idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "have at one's fingertips"

Meaning

Have at one's fingertips is a phrase that means to be knowledgeable or possess information in a way that it is easily recallable or accessible when needed. It implies a knowledge or skill which has been mastered and can be accessed quickly at any time.

Etymology

The phrase “have at one’s fingertips” comes from the literal act of using one's finger to point at something or someone, or to indicate a location. This action is associated with being able to recall knowledge or information quickly, making the phrase “have at one’s fingertips” a popular proverb.

Usage

Have at one’s fingertips is often used figuratively to describe someone who has a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in an area. It can also be used to refer to someone who is quick to recall facts or figures quickly and easily. This phrase is often used to describe people who are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and competent, or those who are wise beyond their years.

Example Sentences

• His mother was impressed by his uncanny ability to have facts and figures at his fingertips.
• John has a vast amount of knowledge at his fingertips on a variety of topics.
• She has the best solutions at her fingertips when a problem arises.
• He quickly rose to the top of his field thanks to his ability to have the right answers at his fingertips.
• Experts have a wealth of information at their fingertips that the average person does not.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.