Skip to main content

I can't put my finger on it

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

19 January 2026

I can't put my finger on it

We use this expression to say that we can't explain or fully understand something.

Written: No

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

She looks different, doesn't she?

Yes, I can't put my finger on it. Has she changed her hair?

Example 2

Why don't you like Sam?

I don't know. I can't put my finger on it. I just feel we can't trust him.

Find more phrases

Previous Day
Next Day
Today's Phrase
Oct2025
07