have at one's fingertips

The expression have at one's fingertips is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the have at one's fingertips idiom.

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 Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.